Each year, numerous people decide to look at the option of making Florida their new home. While things like schools, taxes, and jobs are factors taken into consideration, occasionally a home buyer also wonders about what type of weather they might encounter making such a move.  In May, three separate private citizens who were looking to buy property in the state contacted the Florida Climate Center for historical climate information:

One person was interested in learning more about relative humidity and how it affects the summertime temperatures.  The Florida Climate Center was able to provide information about typical humidity values during the summer months, how heat indices are dependent on humidity and air temperature, and how heat affects the body. 

Another person was interested in learning about the potential severe weather impacts of moving into the Tampa Bay area. Information on hurricanes, tornadoes/waterspouts, and severe thunderstorms were provided to the citizen.

The last prospective homeowner was interested in learning about monthly temperatures and precipitation for the two areas he in which was looking to purchase a house: Ocala and West Palm Beach.  By providing the long-term averages of monthly temperatures and precipitation, along with some data on temperature and precipitation extremes, the Florida Climate Center was able to help the citizen make a more informed decision.

The Florida Climate Center is part of a three-tiered system of national, regional, and state climate offices, including NOAA's National Climatic Data Center and the Southeast Regional Climate Center. The Florida State Climatologist and other staff at the Florida Climate Center provide the following information and services to the people of Florida:

· Climate Data:

Historical weather observations for weather stations throughout the state of Florida. We are able to provide data for most stations from 1948-present.

· Climate Information:

Long-term historical averages for various stations, climate divisions, and the entire state.

· Extreme Event Records:

Information and analyses on extreme events such as freezes, droughts, floods and hurricanes.

· Special Analysis:

With their vast knowledge of El Niño, La Niña and climate variability, the State Climatologist and staff can offer expert insight into Florida's climate trends.

· Outreach:

Activities, presentations, and workshops that inform and educate the people of Florida about current and emerging climate issues. We also coordinate volunteers for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail & Snow Network (CoCoRaHS).

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