Weather

Tampa Records Driest September Since 1890, Raising Drought and Wildfire Concerns

BySaluda Standard Sentinel Team October 2, 2025October 2, 2025

TAMPA, FLORIDA — September 2025 has officially gone down as the driest September in Tampa’s recorded history, sparking concern about drought conditions and wildfire risk as Florida enters its typically drier fall season.

Record-Breaking Dry Spell

According to the National Weather Service Tampa Bay, Tampa International Airport recorded just 0.70 inches of rain last month. That’s more than five inches below the September average of 6.09 inches, making it the city’s driest September since record-keeping began in 1890.

Other parts of the region also reported historically low rainfall:

Sarasota-Bradenton: 1.66 inches, third driest September since 1911
Brooksville: 1.74 inches, fifth driest on record
St. Petersburg: 1.80 inches, sixth driest since 1914

Temperatures Near Normal Despite Dryness

While rainfall was scarce, temperatures across west-central Florida stayed relatively close to average.

Tampa averaged 83.4°F, about 0.7 degrees above normal, tying for the sixth warmest September on record.
Fort Myers reported 82.6°F, ranking as its 29th warmest September.

Risks Heading Into Fall

Meteorologists warn that such a severe shortfall in precipitation could spell trouble in the weeks ahead. Florida’s fall is already among its driest seasons, and without replenishing rains, drought conditions and wildfire threats could increase.

Officials are urging residents to conserve water where possible and to remain vigilant during dry spells, especially in areas vulnerable to brush fires.

Looking Ahead

Forecasters say the long-term outlook will depend on evolving weather patterns, including the possibility of La Niña, which could bring warmer and drier-than-average conditions across the Southeast this winter.

For Tampa Bay residents, the historic dry September is a stark reminder of how quickly weather extremes can shift in Florida’s subtropical climate.

Have you noticed signs of drought or water restrictions in your community? Share your experience and join the conversation at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.

Saluda Standard Sentinel Team

The Saluda Standard-Sentinel Team represents the collective voice of our newsroom — covering urgent updates, official notices, and stories compiled by multiple reporters. Rooted in the South and committed to trusted local journalism, our team brings timely, community-first reporting to readers across South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia.