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Previous winter storm delivers crucial rain to Florida, alleviating critical drought conditions

A look at the latest data

Florida was quickly approaching the SEVERE drought criteria as highlighted in the legend towards the top right of the chart. Now, the entirety of the peninsula has come down dramatically thanks to the few inches of rainfall picked up during our arctic winter storm (WKMG 2025)

ORLANDO, Fla. – We’ve essentially had all four seasons mixed into one month here in Florida.

The last 30 days have been more than a roller coaster of weather conditions and emotions for us Floridians. One moment we’re battling severe weather, the next we’re talking winter storm conditions, followed up by heavy rainfall, frigid temperatures, and now potentially historic HIGH temperatures!

Temperatures are likely to push upwards of 10-12 degrees ABOVE average despite how cold it was only five days prior. Today we may be reaching to set records in some spots for our northern counties (WKMG 2025)

What in the meteorology mayhem is happening!?

But, some good news amidst the atmospheric chaos! The same winter storm that absolutely pummeled the Florida Panhandle with blizzard-like conditions brought in some much needed rainfall for us in the peninsula. We were beginning to feel the effects of our La Niña-induced drought. At least for the time being, not so much!

Here’s a look at the latest drought monitor. Central Florida is finally back in the “DRY” category, which may still seem like a problem but compared to the earlier data, this is relief for many of us.

Florida was quickly approaching the SEVERE drought criteria as highlighted in the legend towards the top right of the chart. Now, the entirety of the peninsula has come down dramatically thanks to the few inches of rainfall picked up during our arctic winter storm (WKMG 2025)

Now, I will quickly add a disclaimer to this - as we enter the month of February, it does appear our La Niña wintertime pattern will start to dominate much of the eastern U.S. What does this mean for Central Florida? Rain becomes a scarcity again.

Despite the freezing temperatures and painful wind chills we had to battle through after our arctic winter storm, the rainfall was incredibly helpful for wildlife, agriculture, and our own backyards while we had it.

During the first half of February, Florida is likely to see a lot less rainfall than we dabbled with during January. Winter storms don't seem to extend their grasp as far south as our neighborhood for a large majority of the next couple weeks. (WKMG 2025)

Climate Prediction Center is already pinpointing a return to below average precipitation totals as we get into the first week or two of February, maybe even beyond that.

So despite the short bout of drought relief, we need to remain vigilant in taking care of our plants and grasses especially during this expedited warming trend.


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