THEWEATHERMOGIL:: Cooler, breezier and rainy weather enroute for southwest Florida
New Year’s Day 2016 will mark the end of record heat across south Florida. By tomorrow midday, the first in a series of cold fronts will pass through the area bringing a shift to northerly and then northeasterly winds, cooler temperatures, lower dew points, extensive cloud cover and greater chances for rain (Fig. 1). This front will drop temperatures from their lofty mid-80’s pinnacle into nearly seasonable lower 70’s. Still, readings will remain a few degrees above seasonal averages.
This trend will continue into mid-week; then, skies will clear and temperatures will warm slightly into the mid 70’s.
Once winds swing around to the northeast, they should increase in speed and become gusty, especially by Tuesday. While nearshore waters may escape small craft advisories, offshore waters will see small craft advisories hoisted by late Sunday, with the possibility of gale warnings by Tuesday.
There is little doubt that opening up southwest Florida homes to the outside is going to be a widespread activity, once the lower dew point air arrives.
© 2016 H. Michael Mogil
Originally published 1/1/16