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Dear Florida Climate Center Friends,
We'd like to present you with the October 2011 edition of our newsletter. In this newsletter, you'll find our monthly climate summary, new outlooks released on ENSO phase and climate for the fall and winter, a list of special events that our staff attended, an example of a data request made to the office, and more. If you have any questions, please email us at climate@coaps.fsu.edu.
Thanks,
The Staff of the Florida Climate Center
 |  |  |  | David Zierden
State Climatologist | James O'Brien
Professor Emeritus | Melissa Griffin
Asst. State Climatologist | Preston Leftwich
Research Assistant |
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September Climate Summary for Florida
The Florida Climate Center's September 2011 Florida Climate Summary is now available. The summary provides an analysis of temperature and precipitation trends across the state, along with data on hazardous weather, drought, the impacts of the weather and any records tied or broken for the month. During September, average temperatures were generally near normal while rainfall totals varied across the state. Past summaries are archived here.
| September average temperatures and departures from normal (° F) for selected cities. |  |
| September precipitation totals and departures from normal (inches) for selected cities. |  |
| A graphical depiction of the monthly rainfall departure from normal (inches) for September (courtesy of NOAA, NWS). |  |
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FCC Issues La Niņa Watch
The Florida Climate Center provided vital information for a La Niņa watch that was issued recently by the Southeast Climate Consortium. Current data from the equatorial Pacific Ocean points to a reemergence of La Niņa this winter, which usually means warmer than normal temperatures and decreased precipitation in Florida. For more information, please see the full press release from FSU News.
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State Climatologist Presents at Winter Wheat Workshop
Alabama climate extension specialist Brenda Ortiz hosted a winter wheat workshop for agents and growers in Montgomery, Alabama, on September 1. State Climatologist David Zierden participated in this workshop and presented on the likely return of La Niņa and how it could impact the winter wheat crop across the state. He also reviewed weather and climate patterns from last year and how they led to an outstanding crop in terms of yields and quality. |
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State Climatologist Presents at Local Science Cafe
State Climatologist David Zierden entertained the crowd at a local Tallahassee pub called "Waterworks" on September 22. Waterworks hosts a Science Salon every week for local scientists to share their research or expertise with interested patrons. Mr. Zierden presented on the El Niņo/La Niņa cycle and what it means in terms of impacts on the state's precipitation and temperatures for the upcoming winter season.
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Upcoming Events
November 2-4, 2011: Southeast Climate Consortium Fall Planning Meeting in Tallahassee, FL
November 9-10, 2011: UF Extension In-Service Training: Climate Change and Variability Task Force in Crystal River, FL
November 14, 2011: Annual Meeting of the Florida Climate Institute in Gainesville, FL
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Example Data Request
Each month, we highlight here recent examples of some of the many public services provided by the Florida Climate Center:
While most requests received by the Florida Climate Center are unique, there are a few frequently asked questions, many of which come from vacationers. One of the most common data requests is: "Where can I go in Florida to escape the humidity?" Although high humidity is often year round in Florida, it creates the most discomfort during the summer. By June, the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean have been heated sufficiently to make them excellent source regions for hot and humid air masses that blanket the state. The air over Florida in the summer becomes so humid that conditions are similar to those during the rainy season in the Amazon or Congo River basins. There is little variation from one place to another across the state, and even some long-term residents have problems feeling comfortable during a typical Florida summer. Another request for information came from a recent visitor who wondered if there was a location that existed in Florida that was cooler during the summer months. During the summer, there is little geographical variation in the average daily maximum temperatures across the state. However, some cities along the east coast reported maximum temperatures a few degrees cooler than anywhere else in the state due to the east wind from the Atlantic Ocean, which is augmented by the sea breezes. For example, the average maximum temperatures for some coastal locations along the East Coast are compared below to temperatures from nearby inland locations: 
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About Us
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 Niņo, La Niņa 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).
More About Us
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