As of today, March 5, 2026, residents of Fort Myers are bracing for a significant warm spell, with meteorologists forecasting near-record temperatures for the next 7 to 10 days. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), this warm weather period is expected to last until the weekend, marking a transition into what meteorologist Nicole Carlisle describes as a “mini-summer” pattern. While there is a potential for rain next week, no significant precipitation is anticipated in the short-term outlook.
The meteorological spring season, which encompasses March, April, and May, is traditionally among the driest times of the year in Florida. With long days, high temperatures, and steady winds, the landscape tends to dry out. This year, the dry conditions are particularly pronounced, as Naples and Fort Myers are among the areas hardest hit by drought.
Drought Conditions in Florida
The entire state of Florida is currently grappling with drought conditions, with over 18.6 million Floridians affected. The latest reports indicate that January 2026 was the 20th driest January since 1895. The dry spell, which began in October 2025, is now the most severe since the winter of 2001-02. Areas such as Naples are experiencing average high temperatures in the upper 80s, with lows around 69 degrees, but not reaching the 90-degree mark.
In addition to the heat, the ongoing drought has led to increased fire risk across the region. A fire in the Big Cypress National Preserve, located about 20 miles east of Naples, began on February 22 and exemplifies the extreme conditions. The dry weather has also prompted fire bans in many parts of West-Central and Southwest Florida, impacting the local ecosystem.
Drought conditions have been exacerbated by the La Niña-ENSO pattern, which has contributed to below-normal rainfall across coastal counties from Levy to Sarasota, where precipitation has been less than 50% of normal. With rainfall amounts low, Florida’s fire season—which typically runs from March until the onset of the rainy season at the end of May—will be closely monitored.
Weather Forecast and Resources
If you’re looking for more detailed weather information, resources are available to help you keep track of local conditions. The NWS offers local rainfall tables and graphics that can be enlarged for better viewing. Additionally, water restrictions are currently in effect, varying by county or city. Historical rainfall data from September 2025 to January 2026 indicates a significant drop in precipitation, underscoring the ongoing drought.
For those wanting to stay ahead of the weather, a long-range weather forecast for Florida is accessible online. This includes daily weather updates and a 30-day forecast based on historical averages, giving you a clearer picture of what to expect as we move further into spring. You can explore these forecasts for various cities, including Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Orlando, and Tampa, with information updated daily for accuracy.
As we navigate these warm and dry conditions, it’s essential to remain informed and prepared. For more information on drought conditions and local weather updates, visit the NWS’s drought information page here and check out the extended weather forecasts for Florida here.