Drought in Metro Palm Beach County, Florida

An extended period of below normal rainfall affected Palm Beach County during the first part of the winter. Rainfall deficits began accumulating in October 2018 and peaked in mid-January. Percent of normal rainfall since October 1, 2018 in West Palm Beach was only 35%, which was representative of conditions over most of northern Palm Beach County. This lack of rainfall combined with lowering groundwater levels led to the designation of severe drought (D2) across northern Palm Beach County. Despite this designation, no significant impacts to agriculture were noted, other than higher than normal irrigation used in fields.

A widespread heavy rain event on January 26-27 wiped out most of the rainfall deficits across the area, therefore putting an end to the severe drought conditions.

Abnormally dry conditions which began in the fall of 2018 lingered into the beginning of 2019 across South Florida, particularly in northern portions of Palm Beach County.