Drought

Parts of Central and North Florida are forecast to reach 90 degrees or more by the end of the week and into the weekend, breaking new records.

The restrictions apply to all residents, even those with private wells. Starting April 17, citations can be issued without warning. A Phase Three Extreme Water Shortage has been issued.

There have been about 1,500 wildfires in the first three months of 2026, and the state is on track to surpass the last two years' records. The busiest part of the fire season is April, May and June.

From your yard to your kitchen sink, small changes can lead to big water savings. Here are simple ways to conserve water inside and outside your home.

Florida muralists are challenging the state over removed sidewalk artwork. Ideas to survive the drought. A culinary anthropologist's hobby. And a new social media segment on politics.

While other areas in Florida stayed steady in their previous week's drought categories, North Florida and the Panhandle continue to expand and worsen the drought.

The region hasn't experienced such dry conditions for decades. Restrictions are in place to further limit outdoor watering.

Aquifers, rivers, and groundwater levels continue to decline. Southwest Florida will impose strict water shortage restrictions until July 1.

Outdoor watering is estimated to be half of all the water used by residents. The new restrictions limit irrigation to one day a week - and only at night. It takes effect April 3.

According to the latest drought monitor the entire state is dealing with drought conditions that range from abnormally dry to exceptional - the worst type of drought.

The ongoing drought isn't getting any better. Tampa Bay Water is issuing what it calls a "Stage 3 Extreme Regional Supply Shortage."

Highs will flirt with 90 degrees in some areas of Florida as a high-pressure system brings warm, humid air streaming from the south.