Extreme drought plagues SWFL despite recent rains

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA, (WINK) —Recent rounds of rain have done little to ease the ongoing drought across Southwest Florida.

According to the latest update from the U.S. Drought Monitor released Thursday morning, drought conditions remain unchanged across central and southern Florida. Meanwhile, in the northern parts of the state, “exceptional” drought, the worst level of drought, has expanded.

The U.S. Drought Monitor provides a weekly snapshot of conditions, combining climate data, weather patterns, hydrology reports, and input from local experts to assess changes across regions.

Southwest Florida has been entirely under “extreme” drought conditions since March 3, and with a drier 7-day forecast ahead, those conditions are expected to persist.

Typically, the region’s rainy season doesn’t begin until mid-May. Meaningful relief may still be weeks away.