HOLT, Fla., April 23, 2026—Drought conditions for Okaloosa County and the rest of northwest Florida have worsened and are forecast to persist through the month of May.

According to the latest drought update by the National Weather Service issued today indicates drought conditions for northwest Florida have worsened since the previous statement issued April 16.

Okaloosa County is now experiencing extreme level D3 drought conditions. These conditions extend into portions of Escambia County, according to the NWS.

Last week’s statement showed Okaloosa County was experiencing severe level D2 drought conditions.

According to the NWS, during the past month, nearly all of the forecast area has seen significant rainfall deficits to 25 percent or less of normal for the 30-day period.

Because of this, wildland fire potential remains significant, according to the latest drought statement.

The U.S. Geological Survey indicates river and stream stage levels are much below normal and in many cases at record-low stages over the forecast area.

Crop condition in the driest areas is very poor, elevating crop disease and insect damage. To the north of the panhandle, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has declared 30 counties in Alabama as natural disaster areas.

As of today, there’s a 50-60 percent chance of rain and thunderstorms in the area Saturday, decreasing to 30 percent Saturday night and Sunday, with 20 percent forecast for Tuesday through Thursday next week.

The rain forecast through April 30 appears to indicate a chance for 1-2 inches of rainfall along and north of the Interstate 10 corridor. However, despite these rains, amounts will do little to alleviate drought conditions through the end of May, according to the NWS.