The Florida Climate Center serves as the primary resource for climate data, information, and services in the state of Florida.
The Florida Climate Center achieves its mission by providing climate monitoring, research, and expertise to be applied by the people, institutions, and businesses of Florida and the surrounding region.
We provide direct service by fulfilling requests for climate and weather data and information in a variety of formats.
We perform research that advances the understanding of the climate variability and changes of Florida and the surrounding region.
We provide outreach in presentations and at events aimed at a variety of groups, interests, and ages.
Prepared by Preston Leftwich, David F. Zierden, and Melissa Griffin
Florida Climate Center
The Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
Note: Beginning with this summary, comparisons to normal are based on values for the period 1981-2010.
Average temperatures continue above normal in August. Average temperatures were well-above normal in the north during August (Table 1). At Tallahassee the average temperature of 85.1° F marked the warmest August on record. Numerous daily records were tied or broken in all parts of the state (Appendix). Daily maxima at Tallahassee reached at least 100° F seven times. Five of seven daily maximum records tied or broken at Tallahassee had been in existence since the 1930s. Both Apalachicola and Jacksonville set new daily maximum records on four days. In contrast, low temperatures of 69° F at Jacksonville on the 3rd, 63° F at Tallahassee on the 16th, and 69° F at Apalachicola on the 17th were daily minimum records.
Table 1: August average temperatures and departures from normal (° F) for selected cities.
Rainfall totals vary during August. Rainfall totals varied greatly across the state during August (Table 2). In the north, monthly totals at Pensacola (2.27 inches) and Tallahassee (2.03 inches) were more than 5 and 5 inches below normal, respectively. It was the driest August on record at Tallahassee. In contrast, monthly totals in central and southern areas were generally above normal. Miami and Key West observed rainfall of more than 11 inches during the month. In addition, monthly totals at West Palm Beach and Vero Beach exceeded 11 inches, also. The monthly total at Key West was more than 5 inches above normal. Five daily rainfall records were broken. A daily total of 1.84 inches at Daytona Beach on the 1st broke a record in existence since 1944. A daily total of 3.78 inches at Vero Beach on the 16th broke a record in existence since 1947. Also, a daily total of 2.07 inches at Key West on the 31st broke a record in existence since 1872. Areal patterns of monthly rainfall relative to normal are depicted in Figure 1.
Table 2: August precipitation totals and departures from normal (inches) for selected cities.
Table 3: Daily rainfall records (inches) broken during August (compiled from NOAA, NWS).
Figure 1: A graphical depiction of the monthly rainfall departure from normal (inches) for August is given in the figure below (courtesy of NOAA, NWS).
ENSO continues in neutral phase during August. Sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean continued near-normal during August, indicating a neutral phase of El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). A neutral phase of ENSO had no impact on weather across the state during August.
Hazardous weather. A weak tornado damaged roofs, blew out windows and caused tree damage along a path from Tamarac to North Lauderdale on the 2nd. On the 5th, a waterspout that moved onshore from a lake near Eustis damaged two roofs and downed power lines. Thunderstorms downed trees near Crescent City, St. Augustine, Callahan, Mandarin, Anthony and Hastings on the 12th. Two persons were injured when thunderstorm winds blew a tree onto a mobile home near Ocala on the 13th. On the 23rd, thunderstorm winds blew a tree across I-75 near Micanopy and damaged a mobile home near Chiefland. As Hurricane Irene passed well offshore on the 25th, gusty winds and some heavy rain were recorded in immediate eastern coastal areas. Also, two persons drowned in high surf generated by Irene.
Agricultural and other impacts. High temperatures and continued dryness stressed cotton, peanuts and pasture in the Panhandle. Rain during the latter half of the month improved drought conditions in southeastern and southwestern areas. However, water restrictions remained in place in portions of the southeast.
Appendix: Daily maximum and minimum temperature records (° F) tied or broken during August (compiled from NOAA, NWS).
Prepared by Melissa Griffin, Preston Leftwich, and David F. Zierden
Florida Climate Center
The Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
Average temperatures were near normal in November. Average temperatures were near normal across the entire state (Table 1). Departures from normal ranged from -0.2° F at Jacksonville to 1.1° F at Tampa. An extremely cold dry air mass pushed into northern parts the state at the beginning of the month, causing numerous minimum temperature records to be broken or tied from the 11th to the 12th (Appendix). The minimum temperature at High Springs, FL on the morning of the 11th was 20° F. Because of this cold snap, some of the National Weather Service's offices in the northern part of the state have suspended issuance of Frost Advisories until March 1st. After the strong cold front pushed through the state, temperatures rebounded and tied and broke maximum records in a few locations from the 15th to the 17th. Temperatures were slightly warmer than normal ahead of another strong cold front prior to Thanksgiving.
Table 1: November average temperatures and departures from normal (° F) for selected cities.
Rainfall totals were below normal statewide in November. Rainfall totals were below normal statewide in November (Table 2). The month was the 4th driest on record at Orlando and the 10th driest on record at Key West. The passage of cold fronts through the northern portions of the state were the main source of precipitation for November, though the totals that amounted from each passage were still not enough to impact the lingering drought. Areal patterns of monthly rainfall relative to normal are depicted in Figure 1.
Table 2: November precipitation totals and departures from normal (inches) for selected cities.
Figure 1: A graphical depiction of the monthly rainfall departure from normal (inches) for November is given in the figure below (courtesy of NOAA, NWS).
La Niña continues during November. La Niña conditions continue to be present across the equatorial Pacific, with sea surface temperatures (SST) at least 0.5?C below average for the region. The atmospheric circulation anomalies and winds are consistent with La Niña. The current La Niña is forecasted to strengthen and continue through the winter of 2011/2012. The Climate Prediction Center has predicted warmer than normal temperatures and below normal precipitation during this La Niña. However, the 'Wild Card' will be the Arctic Oscillation (AO), which has the potential to trump the typical La Niña pattern. The AO is always present and fluctuates between positive and negative phases. The negative phase of the AO pushes cold Canadian air into the US, leading to periods of well-below normal temperatures, as it has the last two winters. Strong AO phases typically last a few weeks and are very difficult to predict more than a week or two in advance.
Hazardous weather. The only severe weather report for the month came out of Hamilton County as a line of strong storms moved through portions of southern Alabama and Georgia on the 16th. Numerous trees were reportedly knocked over, there was some minor damage done to a shed, and shingles were pulled from a roof.
Agricultural and other impacts. The cold snap earlier in the month damaged vegetable crops in portions of the Florida Panhandle, while warmer temperatures and precipitation caused disease issues in St. Lucie County and the agricultural areas to the southwest of Lake Okeechobee. The continued drought limited the amount of small grain forage being planted in the state. Since the October 25 release of the National Drought Monitor, there has been little change to the drought. Extreme drought lingers in the Panhandle, while Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa Counties have gone from moderate to severe drought. Water restrictions remain in place in South Florida, even though Lake Okeechobee has maintained a water level of 13.84 ft. This is due the forecasted La Niña and decreased chance of precipitation throughout the winter.
Figure 2: Drought conditions in Florida as of November 29, 2011 (courtesy of U.S. Drought Monitor).
Appendix: Daily maximum and minimum temperature records (° F) tied or broken during November (compiled from NOAA, NWS).
Prepared by Melissa Griffin, Preston Leftwich, and David F. Zierden
Florida Climate Center
The Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
Average temperatures were above normal in December. Average temperatures were well above normal across the entire state (Table 1). Departures from normal ranged from 2.5°F at Key West to 4.4°F at Tampa. Unlike the previous two Decembers, there was very little cold air that made it into the state, which led to the warmer than normal temperatures that are typically reported with La Niña conditions. Miami had its 8th warmest December on record, while Tampa had its 9th, and both Orlando and Pensacola had their 11th. All of the temperature records broken for the month were either maximum high temperatures or record high nighttime low temperatures.
Table 1: December average temperatures and departures from normal (° F) for selected cities.
Rainfall totals varied statewide in December. Rainfall totals varied across the state during December (Table 2). Portions of the Panhandle had above normal rainfall, while most locations in the Peninsula recorded below normal precipitation. The month was the 5th driest on record at Tampa, while it was the 5th wettest on record at Pensacola. Most of the rainfall for the month reported at Pensacola came from two separate events, which broke daily rainfall records on the 20th and 26th (Table 3). The below normal rainfall for the month across most the state led the U.S. Drought Monitor to designate dry conditions in the Peninsula. Areal patterns of monthly rainfall relative to normal are depicted in Figure 1.
Table 2: December precipitation totals and departures from normal (inches) for selected cities.
Table 3: Daily rainfall records (inches) broken during December (compiled from NOAA, NWS).
Figure 1: A graphical depiction of the monthly rainfall departure from normal (inches) for December is given in the figure below (courtesy of NOAA, NWS).
La Niña continued during December. La Niña conditions continue to be present across the equatorial Pacific, with sea surface temperatures (SST) at least 0.5?C below average for the region. The atmospheric circulation anomalies and winds are consistent with La Niña. The current La Niña is forecasted to continue through the winter of 2011/2012 into the spring, with the possibility of a return to neutral conditions by the summer. The Climate Prediction Center has predicted warmer than normal temperatures and below normal precipitation during this La Niña. The Arctic Oscillation (AO) remained positive during December, holding off any extreme cold air outbreaks like those seen during the last two winters.
Hazardous weather. No hazardous weather was reported in the state during December 2011.
Agricultural and other impacts. Winter planting progressed due to dry conditions, with good growth evident in may winter crops due to mild temperatures. Ryegrass was not planted, due to La Niña, and most of the livestock in the state is being fed hay and supplements. Since the November 29 release of the National Drought Monitor, there have been some large changes to the status of the drought in Florida. The area of extreme drought that lingered in parts of the Panhandle eased after some areas received above normal rainfall during December. However, portions of the Peninsula had drier than normal conditions during December. At the end of November, only about 37% of the state was under any type of drought designation. That number has now increased to just over 91%. Continued La Niña conditions through the winter will mean decreased precipitation, and water restrictions remain in place in South Florida (the water level of Lake Okeechobee is now 13.55 ft). Restrictions in other areas could go into effect.
Figure 2: Drought conditions in Florida as of January 3, 2012 (courtesy of U.S. Drought Monitor).
Appendix: Daily maximum and minimum temperature records (° F) tied or broken during December (compiled from NOAA, NWS).
Prepared by Melissa Griffin, Preston Leftwich, and David F. Zierden
Florida Climate Center
The Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
Average temperatures were below normal in October. Average temperatures were below normal across the entire state (Table 1). Departures from normal ranged from -0.9° F at Key West to -3.3° F at Orlando. It was the 2nd coldest October on record at Orlando, and October 2011 was in the top ten coldest Octobers for Pensacola (9th), Tallahassee (8th), and Jacksonville (7th). Cold dry air pushed into the state at the beginning of the month, causing numerous minimum temperature records to be broken or tied in the northeastern portions of the state from the 2nd to the 4th (see Appendix). Record low maximum temperatures on the 8th at Orlando and Melbourne corresponded with record rainfall events at both locations. Another round of cold air slipped into the state toward the end of the month, leading to more records being tied or broken on the 22nd and 23rd.
Table 1: October average temperatures and departures from normal (° F) for selected cities.
Rainfall totals varied in October. Rainfall totals varied greatly across the state during October (Table 2). In the north, the monthly total at Pensacola (0.24 inches) was five inches below normal, making October 2011 the 8th driest October on record at the station. In contrast, two separate heavy rain events along the southern part of the state helped ease drought conditions and broke many records. The monthly total (17.14 inches) at Key West makes it the 2nd wettest October on record, only behind October 1969 (21.57 inches). Orlando (8.87 inches) and Miami (15.52 inches) saw their 3rd and 5th wettest Octobers on record, respectively. Vero Beach had a daily record rainfall of 8.30 inches on the 8th, which was over double the previous record set in 1983 (Table 2). Apalachicola reported a daily rainfall total of 7.49 on the 18th that was over four times greater than the previous record for that date of 1.73 in 1989. Areal patterns of monthly rainfall relative to normal are depicted in Figure 1.
Table 2: October precipitation totals and departures from normal (inches) for selected cities.
Table 3: Daily rainfall records (inches) broken during October (compiled from NOAA, NWS).
Figure 1: A graphical depiction of the monthly rainfall departure from normal (inches) for October is given in the figure below (courtesy of NOAA, NWS).
La Niña continues during October.La Niña conditions are present across the equatorial Pacific, with sea surface temperatures (SST) at least 0.5?C below average for the region. The atmospheric circulation anomalies and winds are consistent with La Niña. The current La Niña is forecasted to strengthen and continue through the winter of 2011/2012.
The 'Wild Card' will be the Arctic Oscillation (AO), which has the potential to trump the typical La Niña pattern. The AO is always present and fluctuates between positive and negative phases. The negative phase of the AO pushes cold Canadian air into the US, leading to periods of well-below normal temperatures, as it has the last two winters. Strong AO phases typically last a few weeks and are very difficult to predict more than a week or two in advance.
Hazardous weather. Numerous hazardous weather events were reported during the month of October. The beginning of the month started off with waterspouts and wind damage reported along the lower portions of the Florida Keys. High winds associated with a strong cold front caused minor damage as they moved through the state from the 8th through the 10th. A vigorous low-pressure system caused significant heavy rains, flooding, and tornadoes in south Florida from the 16th through the 18th. A tornado (EF-2) was confirmed in the Sunrise/Plantation area on October 18th; about 50 homes were damaged, and about a dozen homes received significant damage. Roofs were blown off two houses, and two trailers were shifted off their foundations. There were other tornadoes reported with the October 18th event in Indian River and Glades Counties. The remains of Hurricane Rina caused flooding, heaving rains, high winds, and a tornado as they moved through the area from the 28th to the 30th. On October 29th, an EF-0 tornado was reported around Hobe Sound, FL, (Martin County), which did some minor damage to some roofs and landscape.
Agricultural and other impacts. The cooler and drier weather has helped facilitate the harvest of peanuts, cotton, and a variety of other crops across portions of the state. However, drought conditions continue to persist in northern portions of the state, with extreme drought conditions present around Leon and Gadsden Counties and the Choctawhatchee River basin. Heavy rains in the second half of October eased some of the dry conditions that had been lingering around Lake Okeechobee. The average lake level is 13.55 ft, which is down from the historic average of 15.03 ft but a significant change from the 11.13 ft that was reported a month ago.
Appendix: Daily maximum and minimum temperature records (° F) tied or broken during October (compiled from NOAA, NWS).
Prepared by Preston Leftwich, David F. Zierden, and Melissa Griffin
Florida Climate Center
The Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
Average temperatures generally near normal in September. Average temperatures were slightly below normal in the north and slightly above normal in the south (Table 1). Departures from normal ranged from -1.4° F at Pensacola to 1.7° F at Key West. Cool dry air moved into northern parts of the state after the passage of Tropical Storm Lee. Subsequently, several daily minimum temperature records were set. On the 7th a minimum temperature of 62° F at Apalachicola broke a daily record in existence since 1950. On the 9th minimum temperatures of 55° F at Tallahassee and 61° F at Pensacola broke daily records in existence since 1956 and 1918, respectively. In contrast, the minimum temperature (85° F) at Key West on the 9th tied the all-time high minimum temperature for September. The maximum temperature (79° F) at Naples on the 26th was a record low daily maximum (Appendix).
Table 1: September average temperatures and departures from normal (° F) for selected cities.
Rainfall totals varied in September. Rainfall totals varied greatly across the state during September (Table 2). In the north, the monthly total at Pensacola (8.15 inches) was more than two inches above normal. In contrast, the monthly total (4.99 inches) at Miami was almost five inches below normal. Three long-standing daily rainfall records were broken during the month (Table 3). In particular, a total of 3.36 inches at Key West on the 26th broke a daily record in existence since 1920. Areal patterns of monthly rainfall relative to normal are depicted in Figure 1. Particularly evident are (1) an above-normal area in the far northwest where Tropical Storm Lee produced several storm totals of almost eight inches and (2) a below-normal area along the central Atlantic coast. The latter area included Melbourne's monthly total (2.43 inches) that was more than five inches below normal.
Table 2: September precipitation totals and departures from normal (inches) for selected cities.
Table 3: Daily rainfall records (inches) broken during September (compiled from NOAA, NWS).
Figure 1: A graphical depiction of the monthly rainfall departure from normal (inches) for September is given in the figure below (courtesy of NOAA, NWS).
La Niña returns during September. By the beginning of September, cooling sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean brought a return to a cold phase of ENSO, or La Niña. La Niña has little impact on weather in Florida during September.
Hazardous weather. Tropical Storm Lee spawned several tornadoes in northwest Florida from the 3rd through the 5th. On the 3rd, three tornadoes damaged structures and trees near Perdido Bay, Pensacola, and Crestview. A brief tornado touched down near Crystal Lake on the 4th. On the 5th there was widespread tree damage in the Panhandle. A tornado touched down near Dellwood and winds gusted to 65 mph at Mary Ester, 60 mph at the Panama City airport, and 59 mph at Pensacola. Farther to the east and south, trees were downed near Tallahassee, Newport, Capps, Madison, Lake City, High Springs, and St. Petersburg. Thunderstorm winds downed trees and power lines near St. Petersburg and damaged the roof of a condominium near Seminole on the 6th. From late afternoon on the 16th into early morning on the 17th, very heavy, convective rainfall occurred across inland northeast areas. Highest rainfall totals were more than nine inches near Jacksonville Beach. On the 26th, trees and power lines were downed near Arlington, Mayport, and Dungeness. Near the end of the month, one-inch diameter hail was observed at Mims on the 29th.
Agricultural and other impacts. Heavy rains during the month eased the drought in many areas of the state. Rain in the north delayed some peanut harvesting, but it loosened the soil for digging. Rain in the south interrupted some field planting while water was pumped from the fields. In contrast, extreme drought continued in a portion of the Panhandle and the extreme northeast corner of the state.
Appendix: Daily maximum and minimum temperature records (° F) tied or broken during September (compiled from NOAA, NWS).
Building A, Suite 292
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