Florida Weather and Climate

Book excerpt: "An outstanding explanation of Florida weather and climate processes and phenomena. A valuable read for all residents of the Sunshine State who spend time outdoors or on the water."—Jason C. Senkbeil, University of Alabama "A unique and detailed overview of Florida weather as it relates to both small and large scale atmospheric circulations. A must-read for those interested in what makes Florida’s weather so interesting."—Steven Lazarus, Florida Institute of Technology Florida is home to two of the world’s major types of climate—tropical wet-dry and humid subtropical. It ranks among the top states for tornadoes and is more frequently affected by lightning and thunderstorms than any other state. Florida is vulnerable to fog, drought, and wildfires. And it is notorious for its most prominent natural event—the hurricane. This book explores the conditions, forces, and processes behind Florida’s surprisingly varied and dynamic weather. The authors discuss Florida’s location, landscape, and population, as well as the position of the sun and the importance of evaporation and condensation. They explain the influence of atmospheric circulation patterns such as the Hadley Cell, the Coriolis force, and the Bermuda-Azores High. They also describe the qualities of cold, warm, stationary, and occluded fronts and how they generate precipitation and freezes. In addition to revealing why severe weather systems and phenomena like hail and lightning occur, the book also reviews the procedures in place to track and measure these events and warn citizens in danger. Major weather incidents from Florida’s history are narrated, including often overlooked accidents caused by smoke and fog. After showing how climate has changed in the past, the authors look ahead to what further climate change would mean for the future. With many maps, helpful diagrams, and clear explanations, this book is an illuminating and accessible guide to Florida’s dramatic weather and climate.