Severe drought conditions expand across SWFL

The latest update of the U.S. Drought Monitor shows severe drought conditions expanding across Southwest Florida.

Severe drought has taken hold across Charlotte County and nearly all of Lee County as of the Thursday update to the drought monitor. All of Desoto County and portions of Hendry and Glades counties are also now under the severe drought. Collier County remains under a moderate drought.

2025 marked the 6th driest year on record in Fort Myers, according to the National Weather Service. The dry season, which began on Oct. 15, has significantly underdelivered in terms of rainfall so far.

Drought conditions will likely continue to deteriorate, as there is no significant rainfall expected over the next seven days. Signals are showing the potential for some isolated showers across Southwest Florida around Jan. 14 and 15.