The May 22 edition of the U.S. Drought Monitor shows lingering drought in central and southern Florida, though conditions are much improved in Georgia and Alabama.
Extreme drought is still present in a large area in South Florida. It includes all or parts of such counties as Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, Hendry, Palm Beach, Collier, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe. Severe drought is observed in southern Florida as well, starting as far north as Hillsborough and Polk counties, extending eastward to Palm Beach County and southward to Monroe and Miami-Dade counties. Severe drought is also seen in north-central Florida, including Volusia, Lake, Sumter, Marion, Putnam and Flagler counties.
Much of the Florida Panhandle is still experiencing abnormally dry conditions.
Recent rainfall has reduced Georgia’s and Alabama’s dry conditions. Abnormally dry conditions are still present in South Georgia. It includes Grady, Thomas, Brooks, Lowndes, Mitchell, Colquitt, Cook Berrien, Lanier, Clinch, Atkinson, Ware, Worth and Tift counties.
The majority of Alabama has sufficient moisture, except for one area in the southeast part of the state. Abnormally dry conditions are observed in Dale and Henry counties.