Alert in Florida: Extreme Drought Reaches Its Highest Level and an Unexpected Phenomenon May Arise
Florida is experiencing extreme drought in 95% of its counties, prompting a state of emergency and increasing the risk of wildfires.
Florida is currently facing an extreme drought that affects over 95% of its counties, as declared by Governor Ron DeSantis who has issued a state of emergency across all counties to combat the crisis. This severe drought is not only impacting the state's vegetation but also creating conditions favorable for wildfires; since January 1, the state has recorded 650 fire incidents, with an alarming increase in activity expected soon as dry conditions persist.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), there is an elevated risk of extreme wildfires in the southern regions of the Everglades, while various parts of South Florida face a 'very high' danger level. The counties of Palm Beach are experiencing a high risk, while neighboring areas such as Broward and Miami-Dade are under a moderate threat. As of mid-February, reports indicated that 120 active wildfires had burned approximately 9,700 acres in the region, highlighting the urgency of the situation as firefighting resources are stretched thin.
The devastating impact of such prolonged dry conditions not only threatens the local flora and fauna but also poses significant risks to communities, infrastructure, and air quality across the state. With the fire season still underway, authorities are urging citizens to remain vigilant and prepared for potential evacuations or firefighting efforts, as conditions are expected to worsen further if drought conditions persist.