It’s no secret it’s been dry in Florida the past several months, but this year’s dry season has been something we haven’t seen in years.

Florida is undergoing its worst drought since April 2020. With no sign of change soon, it’s possible drought conditions could get worse before the upcoming rainy season begins.

What You Need To Know

  • Florida is experiencing its worst drought since April 2020

  • Central Florida is now under a severe drought for the first time in three years

  • Rainfall deficits continue to grow, with many spots in Central Florida seeing between 5 to 6 inches below average

  • No significant improvements to the drought are forecast in the long term

Since Jan. 1, Central Florida has largely missed significant rain events. It’s not a surprise - it’s the dry season after all.

But this year’s rainfall has been a bit lacking even in that regard. Historically, Orlando should have nearly 8 inches of rainfall to date. But this year, Orlando has just under 2 inches. 

That puts The City Beautiful in a rainfall deficit of over 6 inches- and they aren’t alone. Melbourne, Sanford, Daytona Beach and Leesburg are all in deficits ranging from 4 to nearly 7 inches below where they should be.

This dry season has led to the first severe drought across Central Florida since April 21, 2020. That year, Florida saw many wildfires, including a massive one that broke out in the Florida panhandle and forced thousands to evacuate their homes for safety.

Since the rainy season typically begins in mid-May for Central Florida, the drought conditions and rainfall deficits are expected to linger for the next several weeks.

Some climate models suggest Central Florida could be in for its worst drought conditions since 2017, the last time most of our area was placed under extreme drought.

Is rainfall relief on the way?

Over the next two weeks, the Climate Prediction Center (CPC) predicts Central Florida will see near-average precipitation. This means besides a few pop-up afternoon storms because of the sea breeze moving inland, or a passing front to our north, rain chances don’t look plentiful in the next few weeks to come.

According to a national blended forecast, rainfall accumulation over the next seven days in Central Florida could top out at half an inch in spots, which is barely a drop in the bucket when it comes to our drought conditions. 

In order to provide significant drought reduction, Central Florida needs several inches of rainfall and that doesn’t look likely anytime soon.

Wildfire danger

Because of our extremely dry conditions, wildfire danger remains high across the Florida peninsula. Already, burn bans have been put in place until further notice for several Central and South Florida counties.

Remember, you must follow the burn bans that are currently in effect for your area. Also, properly dispose of cigarettes and if you’re towing a motor vehicle, make sure that tow chain is lifted off the ground to avoid creating sparks.

If you spot a wildfire in progress, call 911 to report it. 

Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.