Drought Worsens in South Florida, But Rain is on the Horizon

Introduction to the Drought

This week’s drought update is in, and as expected, the numbers are getting worse. But there is some good news on the horizon (though it may be bad news for your commute)—the rain should be coming back to South Florida in the next couple of days. And it could even fall over the Miami International Autodrome, while drivers are racing in the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix.

Will it Rain Today or This Weekend?

Yes! Humidity levels are expected to rise this weekend and into next week, giving us a little extra fuel to work with. The trigger will be a front dipping into the central and northern part of the state. While there is plenty of model divergence right now when it comes to timing, it’s safe to say Sunday to Tuesday should offer some drought relief. Exactly how much is tough to say right now, but we will take anything we can get at this point.

Impact on the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix

If the rain comes by Sunday around 4 p.m., it could possibly throw a wrench into the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix. Wet conditions are considered an equalizer, as the gap between the teams is closed and slower cars are able to compete better with the frontrunners.

Pauline Ballet – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images
MIAMI, FLORIDA – MAY 02: Aiva Anagnostiadis of Australia and Hitech TGR (11) on track during practice ahead of F1 Academy Round 3 at Miami International Autodrome on May 02, 2025 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Pauline Ballet – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)

Last Time it Rained in South Florida

The last time Fort Lauderdale and Miami saw measurable rain was way back on March 10, and neither location even picked up a tenth of an inch.

Severity of the Drought

Our "extreme drought" designation has grown, and now takes up roughly half of Broward County, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor map, which updates weekly on Thursdays. Extreme drought has also pushed into Miami-Dade County for the first time this year, and meanwhile, severe drought is also expanding. The only area that is seeing a rainfall surplus for the year continues to be Key West and the Lower Keys. Key West is more than 3 inches of rain ahead of schedule year to date. Conversely, the numbers for Fort Lauderdale and Miami are brutal. Miami is down almost 6 inches year-to-date, while Fort Lauderdale is down more than 4 inches from where it should be at this point in the year.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the drought in South Florida continues to worsen, there is hope for relief in the form of rain expected over the weekend and into next week. This could potentially impact the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, making for an interesting race. It’s essential for residents to stay updated on the weather forecast and drought conditions.

FAQs

• Q: Will it rain during the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix?
  • A: There’s a possibility of rain during the event, especially if it occurs around 4 p.m. on Sunday.
• Q: How severe is the drought in South Florida?
  • A: The drought is severe, with "extreme drought" designations growing in Broward County and pushing into Miami-Dade County. Fort Lauderdale and Miami are significantly behind in rainfall for the year.
• Q: When was the last time it rained in South Florida?
  • A: The last time Fort Lauderdale and Miami saw measurable rain was March 10, with neither location receiving even a tenth of an inch.