Florida grapples with its most intense drought in 15 years during 2026, as dry conditions spread statewide since late 2025. By mid-April, extreme drought zones (D3) cover 80 percent of the state per U.S. Drought Monitor updates — the worst since 2001. Lake Okeechobee sits at 15-year lows. A lackluster 2025 wet season delivered far below-average rains. La Niña patterns then locked in high-pressure systems through winter, blocking Atlantic moisture and causing record heat that evaporated soils fast. St. Petersburg logged just 7.7 inches since September — half the norm. The drought duration forecast signals no quick fix, with wildfire peaks still ahead.\n\n— Live Science, April 22, 2026