Dear Florida Climate Center Friends,
We'd like to present you with the January 2015 edition of our newsletter. In this newsletter, you'll find our monthly climate summary, a list of special events that our staff attended, some pictures, and more. If you have any questions, please email us at [email protected].
Thanks,
The Staff of the Florida Climate Center
 |  |  | David Zierden
State Climatologist | James O'Brien
Professor Emeritus | Melissa Griffin
Asst. State Climatologist |
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December Climate Summary for Florida
The Florida Climate Center's December 2014 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 December, average temperatures were above normal and rainfall totals were varied across most of Florida. ENSO-neutral conditions are continuing in the equatorial Pacific. The Climate Prediction Center (CPC) predicts below normal temperatures and above normal precipitation for the state through March 2015. Past summaries are archived here.
| December average temperatures and departures from normal (�F) for select cities. |  |
| December precipitation totals and departures from normal (inches) for select cities. |  |
| A graphical depiction of the monthly rainfall departure from normal (inches) for December (courtesy of NOAA, NWS). |  |
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State Climatologist Speaks at Winter Weather School
Lake County Extension Specialist Gary England hosted the Winter Weather School in Tavares, Florida on December 3rd, 2014. The workshop featured experts from the National Weather Service Office in Tampa, the Florida Automated Weather Network (FAWN), and additional extension specialists from Central Florida. Topics covered included winter weather, freeze forecasting, monitoring current conditions, and cold protection for crops. State Climatologist David Zierden also presented on the evolution of the weak El Ni�o and how it would impact this winter's climate in Florida and freeze probabilities.
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Alabama Corn and Wheat Short Course
Auburn University Extension and Climate Specialist Brenda Ortiz hosted the Alabama Corn and Wheat short course at Auburn University on December 15 - 16, 2014. The course had a variety of invited speakers addressing nutrient management, soil and water management, along with a variety of other important topics. Florida State Climatologist David Zierden gave a presentation about climate variability, the development of a weak El Ni�o and the implications it may have to corn and wheat management. El Ni�o conditions typically lead to cool temperatures for Alabama and above average precipitation in the Southern half of the state during the winter months. Farmers and producers can take advantage of predictability in certain climate variations, such as El Ni�o, to reduce weather-related risks and maximize profit.
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Out and About in the Local Community
 In early December, Assistant State Climatologist Melissa Griffin traveled to Canopy Oaks Elementary School gave 45-minute presentations about the basics of weather that is taught in the weather, climate and water cycle science curriculum to 5th grade students. Before the end of the month, Ms. Griffin, along side COAPS Outreach Coordinator Brittany Pace, went to West Gadsden High School to teach 7th and 8th grade students how energy provided by the sun influences global patterns of atmospheric movement and the temperature differences between air, water and land. The students learned about radiation, conduction and convection through a presentation and variety of hands-on experiments.
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Upcoming Events
January 31, 2015:
Children's Day at the Museum of Florida History in Tallahassee, FL
February 9, 2015:
Tri-State Row Crop Working Group Meeting in Tallahassee, FL
February 21, 2015:
FSU High Magnetic Field Lab Open House in Tallahassee, FL
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Example Data Request
Back in December, the Florida Climate Center was contacted by the Smithsonian Tennenbaum Marine Observatories Network to find hourly barometric pressure information near the Seaway Drive Causeway, which crosses Indian River Lagoon. The Smithsonian Marine Station has water level record data that goes back to 2004, but they were in need of the atmospheric pressure information for reference when looking going through the data. The Florida Climate Center was able to provide information from the National Weather Service's automated weather station at the St. Lucie Airport and data from the St. Lucie West station run by the Florida Automated Weather Network (FAWN).
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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 Ni�o, La Ni�a 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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