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South Florida’s Worst Drought in 25 Years Deepens as Officials Warn of Water Limits

Forecasters expect a warm, dry pattern to persist through April under La Niña.

EVERGLADES, FLORIDA - AUGUST 20: People fish in a canal as smoke billows from a brushfire in the Everglades on August 20, 2025 in Everglades, Florida. Roughly 2,000 acres are burning between two brush fires according to the Florida Forest Service, but currently no structures are reported in danger. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
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This map show areas of drought across South Florida as of Feb. 17, 2026. (Courtesy, Drought.gov)

Overview

  • Extreme drought expanded across Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast, and statewide coverage rose about 24% from last week, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
  • The South Florida Water Management District urged voluntary water conservation and warned it may issue mandatory Water Shortage Orders if demand does not fall.
  • Burn bans remain in place across local counties, and officials report 71 active wildfires statewide, including two near Homestead.
  • Hydrologic measures show sharp deficits, with parts of Broward roughly 59% below normal rainfall since Nov. 1, Lake Okeechobee about two feet low, and the Biscayne Aquifer below average.
  • Near-term forecasts show little meaningful rain and continued heat, with only limited showers possible Sunday and longer-range guidance suggesting March stays drier than normal.