South Florida's worst drought in decades dries up habitats, fuels wildfires

NBC 6 South Florida, April 24, 2026

Water is life for us all. It connects our ecosystem and without it, green turns brown. And, what once looked vibrant turned dull longer than expected. This is a shift seen across much of the Sunshine State as South Florida endured one of its driest periods in decades.

2026 began with a rainfall deficit and for many at home, the difference may have been subtle.

The South Florida Water Management District works year‑round to keep daily impacts to a minimum, but that doesn’t mean drought goes unnoticed. Its effects show up beyond our backyards, it’s felt in tourism, in agriculture and in the wildlife that depends on this delicate balance. Read the article and watch the full NBC 6 South Florida news segments here: https://www.nbcmiami.com/weather/stories-weather/south-floridas-worst-drought-in-decades-dries-up-wildlife-and-water-fuels-wildfires/3798749/

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