Above-average rainfall during May helped improve drought conditions throughout the Suwannee River Water Management District, although officials say additional rainfall will be needed to eliminate the region’s ongoing rainfall deficit.

According to the District’s latest Hydrologic Conditions Report released on Tuesday, May was the rainiest May since 2018 and marked the first month with above-average rainfall since May 2025. The report tracks rainfall totals, surface water and groundwater conditions, as well as climate and drought outlooks across the District’s 15-county service area.

Despite the improvement, drought conditions persist, and the District remains under a Modified Phase II Water Shortage Order. Officials continue to encourage residents, businesses and visitors to practice water conservation until conditions improve further.

Among the report’s key findings:

• The District received an average of 6.02 inches of rainfall in May, approximately 73% above the historical average of 3.48 inches recorded between 1932 and 2025.
• The 12-month period ending May 31 reflected a Districtwide rainfall deficit of 17.97 inches, improving from the 20.22-inch deficit reported at the end of April.
• Average monthly rainfall totals in District counties ranged from nearly 5 inches to more than 7.5 inches. Portions of Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Columbia, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Madison and Suwannee counties received more than 9 inches of rain.
• River gauges across the District finished May in ranges from extremely low, or below the 10th percentile, to normal levels between the 25th and 75th percentiles. Many gauges showed improved flow conditions because of increased rainfall during the month.
• Upper Floridan Aquifer levels ranged from extremely low to normal conditions and ended the month around the 11th percentile Districtwide.
• The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s three-month outlook indicates above-normal temperatures are likely from June through August, with equal chances of above-normal, near-normal or below-normal precipitation.
• The U.S. Drought Monitor report released June 4 showed the central portion of the District remained in the Exceptional Drought category, while surrounding areas improved slightly into the Extreme Drought classification.

The full report can be found on the District’s website under the Science & Data tab. It is typically updated the second week of each month, and reports from the previous five years are available for viewing.  

The Suwannee River Water Management District’s mission is to protect and manage water resources using science-based solutions that support natural systems and meet the needs of the public. Headquartered in Live Oak, the District serves 15 counties across north-central Florida.

For more information or to view the latest Hydrologic Conditions Report, visit the District’s website.