Drought in Coastal Collier County, Florida

Less than a quarter of an inch of rain fell during the first half of May across most of Collier County, leading to the continuation of severe drought conditions. Surface and underground water levels dropped to around 10% of normal in some areas, and burn bans were in effect. Rainfall increased significantly during the second half of May, putting an end to the severe drought conditions by the end of the month.

Very dry conditions which began in March continued through the first half of May, leading to an expansion of severe drought conditions from SW Florida eastward to most of southern Miami-Dade County. Several large wildfires flared up across the Everglades and Big Cypress, most notably in Golden Gate Estates and near the borders of Miami-Dade, Collier, and Mainland Monroe counties.