If Three Florida Cold Fronts Are A Charm, Then Four Must Be Delightful! (H. Michael Mogil, CCM, CBM, NWA-DS*)
While February was quite mild and wet across much of the eastern U.S. (except south Florida which was warm and dry), March has taken a turn for the colder [thanks to three “nor’easters” (so-called due to their location, strength, and impact)] and associated strong cold fronts that reach well to the south (thanks to northwest winds in the wake of the nor’easters). Don’t look now, but another East Coast storm (and associated Florida cold frontal passage) are underway.
First, consider the following historical perspectives:
Boston, MA: In February, the average temperature was some 6.4 degrees above the 30-year average. There were but two days with morning low temperatures below 20 degrees; snowfall was a scant 8.4 inches.
In March, through Mar. 19 (Fig. 1), thanks to three coastal storms, nearly 5 inches of precipitation (and more than 21 inches of snow) has fallen. The first storm was more wet than white. Overall, temperatures were just slightly below average for the month.
Just inland (at Worcester), some 40 inches of snow fell during March.
Washington, DC: February saw several days with average daily temperatures more than 20 degrees above average. Only 0.2 inches of precipitation was recorded. For the month, there were nine days with peak wind gusts of 30 miles per hour or more.
In March, through yesterday (Fig. 2), the Nation’s Capital, sitting on the far western outskirts of the nor-easters, received less than half an inch of snow. Temperatures were chilly (about 2.8 degrees below average). It was a windy month, with peak winds above 40 miles per hour on three days (one day gusts reached 62 miles per hour) and 11 days (out of 20) with winds of 30 miles per hour or more.
Naples, FL: February was exceptionally warm and dry across southwest Florida. Rainfall was some two inches below average (only 0.10 inches recorded). Temperatures averaged nearly 8 degrees above average, with two days reaching 89 degrees.
In March, through Mar. 19 (Fig. 3), temperatures tumbled to nearly two and a half degrees below average with only seven days seeing the mercury reach or top 80 degrees. Many morning lows were in the 50’s (with a few 40’s noted). Rainfall was near the longer-term monthly average.
Now, another East Coast storm has begun (Fig. 4). This one appears more focused on the mid-Atlantic region, although the storm should bring strong winds to coastal areas of New England as the week unfolds. For Florida, it means the fourth cold front of the month and another multi-day period of cooler and lower humidity air.
I know that most south Floridians usually don’t relish receiving their monthly Florida Power and Light electricity bill. This month, with open windows and little air conditioning, they are likely anxiously looking forward to seeing it!
© 2018 H. Michael Mogil
Originally posted 3/21/18