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July 2015 Newsletter   

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Dear Florida Climate Center Friends,
We'd like to present you with the July 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 climate@coaps.fsu.edu.

  

Thanks,

The Staff of the Florida Climate Center

Zierden PhotoO'Brien PhotoGriffin Photo
David Zierden
State Climatologist
James O'Brien
Professor Emeritus
Melissa Griffin
Asst. State Climatologist
June Climate Summary for Florida

The Florida Climate Center's June 2015 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 June, average temperatures were above normal and rainfall totals were below normal for most of Florida. ENSO-neutral conditions are continuing in the equatorial Pacific. The Climate Prediction Center (CPC) predicts above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation for the state through September 2015. Past summaries are archived here.


 

June average temperatures and departures from normal (°F) for select cities.
Temperature Table
June precipitation totals and departures from normal (inches) for select cities.
Precipitation Table
 
A graphical depiction of the monthly rainfall departure from normal (inches) for June (courtesy of NOAA, NWS).
Rainfall graphic 

Talking Climate Change with Middle School Student

We get some interesting and thought provoking requests here at the climate center and recently, we were contacted by Dr. Carolyn Cox with the Florida Climate Institute to help answer some questions about climate change submitted by an 8th grader. Instead of pointing the student to the vast number of resources available, State Climatologist David Zierden responded to each of the questions, summarizing all the information. To read Mr. Zierden's responses, please visit this link on the Florida Climate Center's webpage.

AASC Holds 40th Annual Meeting

The American Association of State Climatologists (AASC) held their 40th annual meeting in Cape May, NJ. The conference was held from June 23rd to June 26th at the Grand Hotel on beachfront of the scenic town. The AASC is a professional organization that was formed in 1976, following the elimination of the NOAA State Climatology program. The 2015 meeting was hosted by the New Jersey State Climate Office and they dialed up some severe weather, beautiful sunrises and surroundings for the meeting. Attendees were able to tour a local winery and learn how microclimates are vital for the growth and production of various grapes on Cape May Island. In the meeting, the membership heard the latest strategies for climate services from our federal partners, and about research and climate impacts from the Regional Climate Centers and various State Climate Offices. Those on hand also took part in the celebration of the 125th year of the National Weather Service Cooperative Network, which serves as the back bone for climate observing across the United States.

Rip Current and Lightning Safety

During the month of June, the National Weather Service focuses on rip current and lightning safety awareness weeks. This is a good time to review the excellent information and resources that the NWS has pulled together for not only yourself, but for any visitors coming to the Sunshine State.

 

Rip Current Safety

A rip current forms when waves break near the shoreline, and some of the waves break stronger in some locations than others. This causes a circulation of fast-moving water that travels back offshore. Even the most experienced swimmer can get caught in a rip current and unable to break free. So far in 2015, nearly 15 people have lost their lives from rip currents along Florida beaches. There are signs posted at most beaches of a diagram of what a rip current looks like, and what to do if you're caught in one. In addition, the state of Florida has a beach flag system that can easily describe the surf condition based on a color scale.


 

Lightning Safety

Florida is the lightning capital of the continental United States, with some portions of the state seeing an average of more than 30 strikes per square mile each year. Since May, 3 fatalities from lightning have been reported in the state. The summer months mean increased outdoor activities so remember, "When It Roars, Go Indoors."

Upcoming Events 

 

August 10, 2015:

Agriculture Solutions Day in Orange Beach, AL

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).

 

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