21 counties in Florida under burn bans as drought worsens. Rain possible in some locations

Finally, there may be some rain in the forecast for some areas in Florida today.

The Sunshine State has been taking its nickname a little too seriously lately, with three separate areas suffering extreme drought conditions, according to NOAA’s National Integrated Drought Information System.

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As of Monday, April 28, there were 97 wildfires burning across Florida, burning 3,641 acres.

Twenty-one counties have issued burn bans.

The mean statewide drought index has jumped to 469, up 25 points since Friday.

Extreme drought conditions expand across Florida

Areas of severe to extreme drought are expanding across the Florida peninsula as of April 25, 2025.

NOAA’s National Integrated Drought Information System posted on X conditions across the state range from abnormally dry to extreme drought.

“Some areas have precip deficits over 6” in the last 90 days. Little to no precip is expected for at least another week.” A total of 51.8% of the state are under drought conditions.”

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The breakdown of drought conditions in the state, which affects 14 million residents, is:

➤ Maps: See drought conditions by county

No red flag warnings currently in effect in Florida

The National Weather Service has not issued any red flag warnings as of Monday morning.

However, very low humidity combined with dry soil and vegetation, especially when combined with gusty winds, are creating an elevated fire danger.

What is a red flag warning?

A red flag warning is issued when “critical fire weather conditions” are in place.

“A red flag warning means warm temperatures, very low humidity, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire danger,” the National Weather Service said.

What should you do — or not do — under a red flag warning?

Forecasters said residents under a red flag warning should follow this advice:

If you are allowed to burn in your area, all burn barrels must be covered with a weighted metal cover, with holes no larger than 3/4 of an inch.
Do not throw cigarettes or matches out of a moving vehicle. They may ignite dry grass on the side of the road.
Extinguish all outdoor fires properly. Drown fires with plenty of water and stir to make sure everything is cold to the touch. Dunk charcoal in water until cold. Do not throw live charcoal on the ground and leave it.
Never leave a fire unattended. Sparks or embers can blow into leaves or grass, ignite a fire, and quickly spread.

See the map: Active wildfires reported across Florida

Where are the largest fires currently burning in Florida?

There were 16 active wildfires burning as of Monday, April 28, morning.

The largest are:

Clayton Road Fire: 162 acres in Bay County. 100% contained.
Sandy Pine Fire: 108 acres in Walton County. 90% contained.
Crooked Creek Lane-Hardee Fire: 25 acres in Hardee County. 80% contained.

How do Florida brush fires get their names?

“Wildfire names are generally based on the geographic location of the fire or a nearby geographic feature,” according to Tim Brown, communications manager with the Florida Forest Service, in an email.

“For example, the ‘344 Fire’ was due to its location near 344 Street.”

Will it rain today in Florida?

Here are the predictions by National Weather Service stations around the state:

Jacksonville: “About 0.5-2″ of rain has already fallen in inland SE GA. Showers & storms move south later today. A few strong storms possible across inland NE FL this afternoon. Potential Hazards: Heavy Rain, Gusty Winds, Hail, Frequent Lightning.”
East-Central Florida: “Showers and isolated storms will be possible from mid to late afternoon, mainly near to northwest of the I-4 corridor.”
South Florida: “Outside of a few stray late afternoon showers, it’ll be another hot (widespread lower 90s) and dry day across inland southwestern Florida.”
Tampa Bay: “Increased moisture with a weak frontal boundary on Monday will lead to higher chances across more of the area, with highest chances central and north, late afternoon through the evening hours.”

Florida weather forecast for Monday, April 28:

Western Panhandle, Pensacola: Sunny. High 81. Low 70.
Central Panhandle, Tallahassee: Mostly sunny. High 90. Low 67.
Northeast Florida, Jacksonville: Chance for showers, thunderstorms. High 82. Low 68.
East Coast, Central Florida from Daytona Beach to Stuart: Sunny. High 83. Low 70.
South Florida, West Palm Beach, Naples: Sunny. High 78. Low 76.
Southwest Florida, Fort Myers to Sarasota: Sunny. High 82. Low 70.

Interactive map: Enter your address to find closest wildfire risks

Current drought conditions in Florida

The Keetch-Byram Drought Index mean for Florida was 469on April 28. The drought index uses a scale from 0, which is very wet, to 800, which is very dry.

As of April 28, there were 13 counties with a drought index over 600, which means severe drought conditions with an increased risk for wildfires.

There were 18 Florida counties with a mean Keetch-Byram Drought Index over 500, which means drought or increased fire danger.

Here are the counties with a drought index over 600, which is associated with more severe drought with increased wildfire occurring:

Counties in bold were just added to each section.

Counties with drought index in the 500s:

Another four of Florida’s 67 counties have index numbers in the 400s.

What do the drought numbers mean?

Here’s an explanation of what the Keetch-Byram Drought Index numbers mean, according to the Wildland Fire Assessment System.

0-200: Soil moisture and large-class fuel moistures are high and do not contribute much to fire intensity. Typical of spring dormant season following winter precipitation.
200-400: Typical of late spring, early growing season. Lower litter and duff layers are drying and beginning to contribute to fire intensity.
400-600: Typical of late summer, early fall. Lower litter and duff layers actively contribute to fire intensity and will burn actively.
600-800: Often associated with more severe drought with increased wildfire occurrence. Intense, deep burning fires with significant downwind spotting can be expected. Live fuels can also be expected to burn actively at these levels.