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Florida's Dry Spell: 99% Thirsty, No Rain Expected
26 Feb
Summary
- Nearly all of Florida is experiencing a prolonged lack of rainfall.
- The 2025 hurricane season did not bring any storms or hurricanes to the state.
- Burn bans are in effect due to high wildfire risk from dry conditions.
As of early 2026, Florida is facing an unprecedented dry spell, with approximately 99 percent of the state experiencing a significant lack of rainfall for months. This drought is compounded by the unusual occurrence of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season passing without a single tropical storm or hurricane making landfall in Florida.
While the absence of storms is usually cause for relief, it has prevented the state from receiving vital precipitation. This situation has led to the implementation of burn bans in numerous counties. These bans, enacted when wildfire risk is high, typically restrict outdoor burning of vegetation, campfires, and other open flames.
The Keetch-Byram Drought Index, a scale from 0 to 800 measuring soil moisture and fire risk, is critically high across the state. Residents are urged to conserve water through various measures, both inside and outside their homes, to mitigate the impact of the ongoing dryness. Authorities continue to monitor conditions and provide weather alerts.
