South Florida Faces Rain After Weeks of Drought

PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – A cold front is set to bring much-needed rainfall to South Florida on Tuesday afternoon, interrupting a weeks-long drought that has gripped the area. Meteorologists are predicting temperatures in the 60s and 70s following warm, muggy conditions earlier in the day.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), South Florida is currently experiencing severe drought conditions. The National Weather Service noted a 39% chance of rain this afternoon and a 24% chance on Wednesday, but the overall forecast remains dry for much of the week.

“While we expect some rain today, it won’t be enough to alleviate the dire drought situation,” said Julie Durda, a meteorologist at Local 10 News. “Conditions remain precarious, with historic dryness affecting both Broward and Palm Beach counties.”

Broward County has recorded just 0.3 inches of rain this month—about 18% of its normal 1.63 to 1.94 inches—while Palm Beach County has seen 1.39 inches, or 27% of its norm of 5.16 inches. So far this year, Broward has accumulated only 1.35 inches of rainfall, roughly 33% of the 4.14-inch average.

Forecasts indicate that as the week progresses, wind gusts will increase to 14 mph on Thursday, with some gusts reaching up to 24 mph. This windy atmosphere is expected to contribute to elevated fire dangers, as conditions remain favorable for wildfires.

“The impact of the severe drought is staggering,” Durda continued. “Water quality is declining, and fire risks are at an all-time high, prompting burn bans across regions.”

NOAA’s long-term climate forecast suggests that drought conditions could persist in South Florida from April through June, eventually improving slightly to moderate drought. Meanwhile, the risk of wildfires has been exacerbated by low humidity and strong winds, with a significant wildfire reported earlier this month outside of Homestead, Florida.

The wildfire, which has consumed over 26,000 acres, remains active but has seen reduced intensity due to recent moisture increases. The Florida Forest Service continues to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the importance of ongoing awareness for residents.

“As we move into spring, we urge community members to remain vigilant and prepared,” the Florida Forest Service stated in a recent release. “Fire safety is paramount during these dry conditions.”