Drought in Florida, February 1 to 28, 2026

Name: Drought in Florida, February 1 to 28, 2026
Start: 2026-02-01T00:00
End: 2026-02-28T23:59
Location: Florida

February 1 to 28, 2026 · NWS TAE · 27 events in 27 counties and zones

D2-D3 drought conditions continued through February and into March.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 26 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: None recorded
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 27

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS TAE wrote it up.

D2-D3 drought conditions continued through February and into March.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Tallahassee, FL wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Jan 31, 8:55 PM EST, 3 hours 5 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

Issued at 855 PM EST Sat Jan 31 2026
An Extreme Cold Warning is in effect through noon tomorrow as an intense Arctic blast pushes through with dangerously cold temperatures and wind chills.
Gale Warning from the Okaloosa-Walton County line to the Suwanee River through Sunday morning with wind gusts up to 45 kt and seas 8 to 13 ft.
In the eastern FL Panhandle and Big Bend bays, there is an increased potential for navigational hazards due to low water levels from tonight through Monday in harbors, inlets, and tidal rivers. In shallow shelf waters close to the coast, occasional light freezing spray after midnight tonight into Sunday morning may lead to a light coating of ice on vessels, especially smaller ones, as well as on docks which may result in slippery surfaces.
A Wind Advisory remains in effect for our coastal zones of FL for wind gusts up to 40 mph. Sporadic power outages are likely due to downed trees.
Given very cold temperatures, take action to protect vulnerable people, pets, pipes and plants.

Area forecast discussion, Jan 31, 8:55 PM EST, 3 hours 5 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Tallahassee FL
855 PM EST Sat Jan 31 2026

...New AVIATION...

.KEY MESSAGES...
Issued at 855 PM EST Sat Jan 31 2026

- An Extreme Cold Warning is in effect through noon tomorrow as an
  intense Arctic blast pushes through with dangerously cold
  temperatures and wind chills.

- Gale Warning from the Okaloosa-Walton County line to the Suwanee
  River through Sunday morning with wind gusts up to 45 kt and
  seas 8 to 13 ft.

- In the eastern FL Panhandle and Big Bend bays, there is an increased
  potential for navigational hazards due to low water levels from
  tonight through Monday in harbors, inlets, and tidal rivers. In
  shallow shelf waters close to the coast, occasional light
  freezing spray after midnight tonight into Sunday morning may
  lead to a light coating of ice on vessels, especially smaller
  ones, as well as on docks which may result in slippery surfaces.

- A Wind Advisory remains in effect for our coastal zones of FL
  for wind gusts up to 40 mph. Sporadic power outages are
  likely due to downed trees.

- Given very cold temperatures, take action to protect vulnerable
  people, pets, pipes and plants.

&&

.UPDATE...
Issued at 722 PM EST Sat Jan 31 2026

The Wind Advisory for much of the area was allowed to expire at
7pm EST/6pm CST. That said, a few gusts of 30 to 35 mph remain
possible much of the night into Sunday morning. No substantial
tweaks were made to the forecast outside of adjusting things to
fit current observations. All of our area has already dropped
below freezing and aren't forecast to climb above the 32 degree
mark until late tomorrow morning. Bundle up and stay warm!

&&

.SHORT TERM...
(This Evening through Sunday)
Issued at 310 PM EST Sat Jan 31 2026

An incredibly cold arctic air mass has begun to sweep across the
region with afternoon temperatures struggling to increase even with
the sun at a high enough angle to provide some warming. As the sun
begins to set in a few hours we'll see temps and wind chills quickly
drop. An Extreme Cold Warning is currently in effect for wind chills
in the single digits late this evening into Sunday morning. A Wind
Advisory is in effect for all of our SE AL and FL Panhandle
counties, portions of SW GA, and coastal zones of FL Big Bend for
wind gusts up to 40 mph. After sunset today winds will gradually
decrease through Sunday evening. However, they'll be elevated enough
to keep wind chills in the 30s even though we're forecasting real
temps in the low to mid 40s Sunday afternoon.

Hypothermia onset will be quick tonight as cold air and strong winds
efficiently pull heat from all living things that are outside.
Adequate sheltering and minimal exposure will be incredibly
important through Sunday morning. Remember to practice the four
Ps, take action to protect vulnerable people, pets, plants and
pipes.

&&

.LONG TERM...
(Sunday night through next Friday)
Issued at 310 PM EST Sat Jan 31 2026

High pressure will settle over the region Sunday night through early
Wednesday allowing a gradual warming period to commence. Overnight
lows warm from the low 20s Monday morning into the 40s by Wednesday
morning. A Freeze Warning for a hard freeze is expected Sunday Night
into Monday morning for temps under 25 degrees. Daytime highs follow
a similar pattern with highs on Monday in the low to mid 50s
increasing into the 60s by Wednesday.

Our next frontal system looks to approach the region on Wednesday
with another hit of cold air possible behind it. For now, it looks
like this next shot of cold air won't be as intense as the cold air
we'll see tonight. Stay tuned for updates as the forecast becomes
refined.

&&

.AVIATION...
(00Z TAFS)
Issued at 855 PM EST Sat Jan 31 2026

VFR conditions continue through the TAF period. Gusty northwesterly
to northerly winds continue through the night before diminishing
later in the day Sunday.

&&

.MARINE...
Issued at 310 PM EST Sat Jan 31 2026

Gale Warning from the Okaloosa-Walton County line to the Suwanee
River through Sunday morning with wind gusts up to 45 kt and seas 8
to 13 ft. In the eastern FL Panhandle and Big Bend bays, there is an
increased potential for navigational hazards due to low water levels
from tonight through Monday in harbors, inlets, and tidal rivers. In
shallow shelf waters close to the coast, occasional light freezing
spray after midnight tonight into Sunday morning may lead to a light
coating of ice on vessels, especially smaller ones, as well as on
docks which may result in slippery surfaces.

&&

.FIRE WEATHER...
Issued at 310 PM EST Sat Jan 31 2026

Winds significantly increase today following a strong cold front.
Surface winds will be around 25-30 mph with gusts up to 30-40 mph.
Dispersions will be very high with values above 100 units and
elevated mixing heights around 6000 feet. MinRH values this
afternoon will range from about 25-40 percent. Leading to
elevated fire weather concerns for the rest of today. On Sunday
winds are expected to gradually decrease throughout the day, but
pockets of high dispersions, and critically low RHs remain. Fire
weather concerns will linger into Sunday.

&&

.HYDROLOGY...
Issued at 310 PM EST Sat Jan 31 2026

There are no flooding concerns. There will be strong offshore winds
over Apalachee Bay through Sunday which may lead to impactful low
tides. This could result in navigational issues.

&&

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not requested. However, spotters are always
encouraged to safely report significant weather conditions when they
occur by calling the office or tweeting us @NWSTallahassee.

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
Tallahassee   21  44  24  54 /   0   0   0   0
Panama City   23  46  30  55 /   0   0   0   0
Dothan        19  43  24  54 /   0   0   0   0
Albany        19  42  22  52 /   0   0   0   0
Valdosta      19  43  22  53 /   0   0   0   0
Cross City    20  45  22  54 /   0   0   0   0
Apalachicola  23  43  30  52 /   0   0   0   0

&&

.TAE WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
FL...Extreme Cold Warning until 1 PM EST /noon CST/ Sunday for
     FLZ007>019-027>029-034-108-112-114-115-118-127-128-134-326-
     426.

     Freeze Warning until 10 AM EST /9 AM CST/ Sunday for FLZ007>019-
     027>029-034-108-112-114-115-118-127-128-134-326-426.

     Wind Advisory until 10 AM EST /9 AM CST/ Sunday for FLZ108-112-
     114-115-118-127-128-134.

     High Rip Current Risk through Sunday afternoon for FLZ108-112-
     114-115.

     High Surf Advisory until 7 AM EST /6 AM CST/ Sunday for FLZ114.

GA...Extreme Cold Warning until 1 PM EST Sunday for GAZ120>131-
     142>148-155>161.

     Freeze Warning until 10 AM EST Sunday for GAZ120>131-142>148-
     155>161.

AL...Extreme Cold Warning until noon CST Sunday for ALZ065>069.

     Freeze Warning until 9 AM CST Sunday for ALZ065>069.

GM...Gale Warning until 10 AM EST /9 AM CST/ Sunday for GMZ730-735-
     751-752-755-765-770-772-775.

&&

SHORT TERM...Oliver
LONG TERM....Oliver
AVIATION...Reese
MARINE...LF
FIRE WEATHER...Oliver
HYDROLOGY...Oliver

The radar

The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

27 drought. Local standard time, as filed.

Drought, Calhoun

When: February 1, 12:00 AM EST to February 28, 11:59 PM EST
Where: Calhoun forecast zone
Reported by: Drought Monitor
Coordinates: 30.406, -85.197 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Drought, Central Walton

When: February 1, 12:00 AM EST to February 28, 11:59 PM EST
Where: Central Walton forecast zone
Reported by: Drought Monitor
Coordinates: 30.619, -86.171 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Drought, Coastal Bay

When: February 1, 12:00 AM EST to February 28, 11:59 PM EST
Where: Coastal Bay forecast zone
Reported by: Drought Monitor
Coordinates: 30.238, -85.633 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Drought, Coastal Dixie

When: February 1, 12:00 AM EST to February 28, 11:59 PM EST
Where: Coastal Dixie forecast zone
Reported by: Drought Monitor
Coordinates: 29.581, -83.187 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Drought, Coastal Franklin

When: February 1, 12:00 AM EST to February 28, 11:59 PM EST
Where: Coastal Franklin forecast zone
Reported by: Drought Monitor
Coordinates: 29.812, -84.800 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Drought, Coastal Gulf

When: February 1, 12:00 AM EST to February 28, 11:59 PM EST
Where: Coastal Gulf forecast zone
Reported by: Drought Monitor
Coordinates: 29.909, -85.261 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Drought, Coastal Jefferson

When: February 1, 12:00 AM EST to February 28, 11:59 PM EST
Where: Coastal Jefferson forecast zone
Reported by: Drought Monitor
Coordinates: 30.424, -83.900 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Drought, Coastal Taylor

When: February 1, 12:00 AM EST to February 28, 11:59 PM EST
Where: Coastal Taylor forecast zone
Reported by: Drought Monitor
Coordinates: 30.020, -83.619 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Drought, Coastal Wakulla

When: February 1, 12:00 AM EST to February 28, 11:59 PM EST
Where: Coastal Wakulla forecast zone
Reported by: Drought Monitor
Coordinates: 30.148, -84.376 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Drought, Gadsden

When: February 1, 12:00 AM EST to February 28, 11:59 PM EST
Where: Gadsden forecast zone
Reported by: Drought Monitor
Coordinates: 30.580, -84.614 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Drought, Holmes

When: February 1, 12:00 AM EST to February 28, 11:59 PM EST
Where: Holmes forecast zone
Reported by: Drought Monitor
Coordinates: 30.868, -85.814 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Drought, Inland Bay

When: February 1, 12:00 AM EST to February 28, 11:59 PM EST
Where: Inland Bay forecast zone
Reported by: Drought Monitor
Coordinates: 30.238, -85.633 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Drought, Inland Dixie

When: February 1, 12:00 AM EST to February 28, 11:59 PM EST
Where: Inland Dixie forecast zone
Reported by: Drought Monitor
Coordinates: 29.581, -83.187 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Drought, Inland Franklin

When: February 1, 12:00 AM EST to February 28, 11:59 PM EST
Where: Inland Franklin forecast zone
Reported by: Drought Monitor
Coordinates: 29.812, -84.800 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Drought, Inland Gulf

When: February 1, 12:00 AM EST to February 28, 11:59 PM EST
Where: Inland Gulf forecast zone
Reported by: Drought Monitor
Coordinates: 29.909, -85.261 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Drought, Inland Jefferson

When: February 1, 12:00 AM EST to February 28, 11:59 PM EST
Where: Inland Jefferson forecast zone
Reported by: Drought Monitor
Coordinates: 30.424, -83.900 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Drought, Inland Taylor

When: February 1, 12:00 AM EST to February 28, 11:59 PM EST
Where: Inland Taylor forecast zone
Reported by: Drought Monitor
Coordinates: 30.020, -83.619 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Drought, Inland Wakulla

When: February 1, 12:00 AM EST to February 28, 11:59 PM EST
Where: Inland Wakulla forecast zone
Reported by: Drought Monitor
Coordinates: 30.148, -84.376 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Drought, Jackson

When: February 1, 12:00 AM EST to February 28, 11:59 PM EST
Where: Jackson forecast zone
Reported by: Drought Monitor
Coordinates: 30.795, -85.215 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Drought, Lafayette

When: February 1, 12:00 AM EST to February 28, 11:59 PM EST
Where: Lafayette forecast zone
Reported by: Drought Monitor
Coordinates: 29.986, -83.181 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Drought, Leon

When: February 1, 12:00 AM EST to February 28, 11:59 PM EST
Where: Leon forecast zone
Reported by: Drought Monitor
Coordinates: 30.458, -84.278 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Drought, Madison

When: February 1, 12:00 AM EST to February 28, 11:59 PM EST
Where: Madison forecast zone
Reported by: Drought Monitor
Coordinates: 30.444, -83.470 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Drought, North Walton

When: February 1, 12:00 AM EST to February 28, 11:59 PM EST
Where: North Walton forecast zone
Reported by: Drought Monitor

Drought, Northern Liberty County

When: February 1, 12:00 AM EST to February 28, 11:59 PM EST
Where: Northern Liberty County forecast zone
Reported by: Drought Monitor
Coordinates: 30.241, -84.883 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Drought, South Walton

When: February 1, 12:00 AM EST to February 28, 11:59 PM EST
Where: South Walton forecast zone
Reported by: Drought Monitor
Coordinates: 30.619, -86.171 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Drought, Southern Liberty County

When: February 1, 12:00 AM EST to February 28, 11:59 PM EST
Where: Southern Liberty County forecast zone
Reported by: Drought Monitor
Coordinates: 30.241, -84.883 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Drought, Washington

When: February 1, 12:00 AM EST to February 28, 11:59 PM EST
Where: Washington forecast zone
Reported by: Drought Monitor
Coordinates: 30.611, -85.665 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

What these are

Drought: A drought reaching severe (D2) or worse on the US Drought Monitor, or with notable impacts.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Florida in 2026 Every state in 2026 This day in weather history Warnings in Florida, February 2026

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 1311765, 1311766, 1311767, 1311768, 1311769, 1311770, 1311771, 1311772, 1311774, 1311776, 1311777, 1311778, 1311779, 1311780, 1311781, 1311782, 1311783, 1311784, 1311785, 1311786, 1311787, 1311788, 1311789, 1311790, 1311791, 1311792, 1311793.