Weather

Statement as of 12:50 PM EDT on September 02, 2010

... Warmest or second warmest Summer (june/July/august) on record
across west central and southwest Florida...

This year has been one for the record books as we started out
being the coldest or second coldest on record and now the Summer
months (june/July/august) have ended up being the warmest or
second warmest. Average temperatures for the Summer of 2010
were 1 to 3 degrees above normal across the region with August
being the fourth month in a row that the monthly average
temperature ended up in the top ten warmest at most sites.
But even with this streak of warm weather the average for the
year across west central and southwest Florida is still running
about 1 to 2 degrees below the January to August normal.

The main reason for the record-breaking heat this Summer has
been a persistent high pressure area in the middle and upper
levels of the atmosphere over most of the eastern half of the
United States. When this occurs it tends to limit the overall
amount of cloud cover and allows for greater heating during
the day. We have also had numerous days where the surface
ridge axis was located south of the area setting up a west to
southwest flow off the Gulf of Mexico which helped to keep
temperatures warm at night thanks to the winds coming in from
the warm Gulf waters. In fact Tampa and St. Petersburg have
had more days this Summer where the low temperature did not
drop below 80 degrees than any other year since records began.

Below are lists of the top ten warmest august's... as well as
combinations of the last four months for several sites across
the area... along with the normals for these time periods.
There is also number or 90 degree days and some other climate
data for each of these sites.


Inverness:

Warmest August warmest Jul/Aug

*1 84.0 in 2010* *1 84.0 in 2010*
2 83.7 in 1954 2 83.0 in 1954
3 83.4 in 1956 3 82.9 in 1963
4 83.1 in 1983 4 82.8 in 1998
5 83.0 in 1963 4 82.8 in 1979
6 82.9 in 1999 6 82.7 in 1983
7 82.7 in 2009 6 82.7 in 1956
8 82.6 in 1998 8 82.6 in 1953
9 82.5 in 1987 9 82.4 in 1999
9 82.5 in 1968 9 82.4 in 1987
                       9 82.4 in 1969
                       9 82.4 in 1958
                       9 82.4 in 1952

Normal for August at invf1 = 81.4
normal for July/August at invf1 = 81.5
records began July 1948


Warmest Jun/Jul/Aug warmest may/Jun/Jul/Aug

*1 83.9 in 2010* *1 82.8 in 2010*
2 83.0 in 1998 2 81.7 in 1953
3 82.6 in 1981 3 81.2 in 1963
3 82.6 in 1969 4 81.1 in 1969
3 82.6 in 1954 4 81.1 in 1952
6 82.5 in 1952 6 81.0 in 1998
7 82.4 in 1963 7 80.9 in 2009
7 82.4 in 1958 7 80.9 in 1958
9 82.3 in 2009 9 80.8 in 1975
9 82.3 in 1953 10 80.7 in 1981
                      10 80.7 in 1959
                      10 80.7 in 1954

Normal for June/July/August at invf1 = 81.0
normal for may/June/July/August at invf1 = 79.6
records began July 1948


Highest daily maximum temperature readings this Summer was
102 on June 16 and 27
101 on June 15 and July 29
100 on June 13, 14, and 26, July 30, and August 17

All-time record high is 105 set on September 7 1955.

9 days of 100 degrees or more is the most in any year since
records began in 1948

There was a record 87 days this Summer that the daily maximum
temperature reached or exceeded 90 degrees. The old record was
83 days set in 1998 and 1977.

There have been 116 days so far this year (jan-aug) where the
daily maximum temperature has reached or exceeded 90 degrees.
The record number of days for an entire year is 141 set in 1955.

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Brooksville chin hill:

Warmest August warmest Jul/Aug

1 83.9 in 1926 1 83.4 in 1927
2 83.2 in 1928 2 83.1 in 1928
3 83.1 in 2005 3 82.9 in 2005
3 83.1 in 1927 4 82.7 in 1993
5 83.0 in 2007 5 82.5 in 1933
6 82.9 in 1963 *6 82.4 in 2010*
6 82.9 in 1941 6 82.4 in 1999
6 82.9 in 1933 6 82.4 in 1942
9 82.7 in 1993 6 82.4 in 1930
10 82.5 in 1999 10 82.3 in 2007
                      10 82.3 in 2006

August 2010 average at brof1= 81.8 (tied 23rd)

Normal for August at brof1 = 81.0
normal for July/August at brof1 = 81.1
records began January 1892


Warmest Jun/Jul/Aug warmest may/Jun/Jul/Aug

1 83.6 in 1927 1 82.9 in 1927
*2 82.5 in 2010* *2 81.8 in 2010*
3 82.4 in 1928 3 81.3 in 1933
4 82.2 in 2009 4 81.1 in 2009
5 82.1 in 1993 5 80.9 in 1902
6 81.8 in 2006 6 80.7 in 1995
7 81.7 in 1998 6 80.7 in 1929
7 81.7 in 1931 8 80.5 in 2006
9 81.6 in 1941 8 80.5 in 1993
9 81.6 in 1933 8 80.5 in 1914
9 81.6 in 1902

Normal for June/July/August at brof1 = 80.7
normal for may/June/July/August at brof1 = 79.6
records began January 1892


Highest daily maximum temperature reading this Summer was
96 on June 13-16... June 26 and 27... July 20... and August 3.
All-time record high is 104 set on June 5 and 6 1927... and
June 6 1985.

There were 68 days this Summer that the daily maximum
temperature reached or exceeded 90 degrees. The record is
90 days set in 1927.

There have been 93 days so far this year (jan-aug) where the
daily maximum temperature has reached or exceeded 90 degrees.
The record number of days for an entire year is 174 set in 1927.

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Tampa:

Warmest August warmest Jul/Aug

1 85.1 in 1941 1 84.5 in 2005
2 84.9 in 2007 *2 84.3 in 2010*
3 84.7 in 2005 2 84.3 in 2007
4 84.4 in 1951 4 84.1 in 1942
*5 84.3 in 2010* 5 83.7 in 1993
6 83.9 in 2009 6 83.6 in 1999
6 83.9 in 1990 6 83.6 in 1941
8 83.7 in 1999 8 83.5 in 2009
8 83.7 in 1993 8 83.5 in 1998
10 83.6 in 1998 8 83.5 in 1980
10 83.6 in 1987 8 83.5 in 1932
10 83.6 in 1975
10 83.6 in 1942
10 83.6 in 1924

Normal for August at tpa = 82.7
normal for July/August at tpa = 82.6
records began April 1890


Warmest Jun/Jul/Aug warmest may/Jun/Jul/Aug

*1 84.5 in 2010* *1 83.6 in 2010*
2 84.2 in 1998 2 82.9 in 1998
3 83.4 in 2007 3 82.7 in 1975
4 83.3 in 2009 4 82.4 in 1990
5 83.2 in 2005 5 82.2 in 2009
5 83.2 in 1977 5 82.2 in 1985
5 83.2 in 1942 7 82.1 in 1995
8 83.1 in 1993 8 82.0 in 2007
8 83.1 in 1987 8 82.0 in 1991
8 83.1 in 1975 10 81.9 in 2000
8 83.1 in 1951

Normal for June/July/August at tpa = 82.2
normal for may/June/July/August at tpa = 81.1
records began April 1890


Highest daily maximum temperature reading this Summer was
98 on June 12. All-time record high is 99 set on June 5 1985.

This was the 14th time since records began in 1890 that the
temperature climbed to 98 degrees... just one degree short of
the all-time record.

There were 20 days where low temperatures did not drop below
80 degrees... the most since records began in 1890. The next
closest was 18 days in the 1998.

There were 73 days this Summer that the daily maximum
temperature reached or exceeded 90 degrees. The record is
83 days set in 1951.

There have been 106 days so far this year (jan-aug) where the
daily maximum temperature has reached or exceeded 90 degrees.
The record number of days for an entire year is 139 set in 1990.

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St petersburg:

Warmest August warmest Jul/Aug

1 85.7 in 2007 1 85.3 in 2007
2 85.5 in 2005 2 85.2 in 2005
3 85.3 in 1941 *3 85.1 in 2010*
*4 85.0 in 2010* 4 84.8 in 1987
4 85.0 in 1980 4 84.8 in 1932
6 84.8 in 1987 6 84.7 in 1980
7 84.6 in 2006 6 84.7 in 1931
7 84.6 in 1924 8 84.5 in 1970
9 84.5 in 1988 9 84.3 in 1998
9 84.5 in 1986 10 84.2 in 2006

Normal for August at spg = 83.4
normal for July/August at spg = 83.4
records began August 1914


Warmest Jun/Jul/Aug warmest may/Jun/Jul/Aug

*1 85.6 in 2010* *1 84.7 in 2010*
2 84.6 in 1987 2 83.3 in 1987
3 84.5 in 1998 3 83.1 in 1998
4 84.2 in 1980 4 82.9 in 1991
5 84.1 in 2007 5 82.8 in 2009
5 84.1 in 1973 5 82.8 in 1980
7 84.0 in 2009 5 82.8 in 1973
7 84.0 in 2005 8 82.7 in 1927
7 84.0 in 1931 9 82.6 in 2007
10 83.9 in 1932 9 82.6 in 1986
                       9 82.6 in 1978
                       9 82.6 in 1977
                       9 82.6 in 1935

Normal for June/July/August at spg = 83.0
normal for may/June/July/August at spg = 81.8
records began August 1914


Highest daily maximum temperature reading this Summer was
98 on June 16. All-time record high is 100 set on July 5 1995.

There were 55 days where low temperatures did not drop below
80 degrees... the most since records began in 1914. The next
closest was 29 days in the 1998.

There were 69 days this Summer that the daily maximum
temperature reached or exceeded 90 degrees. The record is
84 days set in 1987.

There have been 79 days so far this year (jan-aug) where the
daily maximum temperature has reached or exceeded 90 degrees.
The record number of days for an entire year is 120 set in 1986.

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Lakeland:

Warmest August warmest Jul/Aug

1 85.1 in 1987 1 84.9 in 1987
2 84.6 in 1995 *2 84.4 in 2010*
3 84.4 in 1989 3 84.3 in 1995
*4 84.3 in 2010* 4 84.1 in 1993
5 83.9 in 1993 4 84.1 in 1989
6 83.8 in 1988 6 83.8 in 1992
6 83.8 in 1941 7 83.7 in 1990
8 83.7 in 2009 7 83.7 in 1942
8 83.7 in 1990 9 83.5 in 1998
10 83.6 in 1991 10 83.4 in 1932

Normal for August at lldf1 = 84.1
normal for July/August at lldf1 = 84.1
records began January 1915


Warmest Jun/Jul/Aug warmest may/Jun/Jul/Aug

*1 84.6 in 2010* *1 83.6 in 2010*
2 84.4 in 1987 2 83.4 in 1995
3 83.8 in 1998 3 82.9 in 1987
3 83.8 in 1989 4 82.7 in 1990
5 83.6 in 1995 4 82.7 in 1989
6 83.5 in 1993 6 82.3 in 1991
7 83.4 in 1990 7 82.2 in 1998
8 83.3 in 1992 8 82.1 in 1985
9 83.2 in 1981 9 82.0 in 1996
10 83.0 in 1985 9 82.0 in 1994

Normal for June/July/August at lldf1 = 83.6
normal for may/June/July/August at lldf1 = 82.4
records began January 1915


Highest daily maximum temperature reading this Summer was
102 on July 28. All-time record high is 105 set on June 4 1985.

There were 83 days this Summer that the daily maximum
temperature reached or exceeded 90 degrees. The record is
90 days set in 1987.

There have been 105 days so far this year (jan-aug) where the
daily maximum temperature has reached or exceeded 90 degrees.
The record number of days for an entire year is 161 set in 1989.

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Mountain lake:

Warmest August warmest Jul/Aug

1 84.8 in 2007 *1 84.4 in 2010*
1 84.8 in 2008 1 84.4 in 2005
3 84.1 in 1941 3 84.1 in 2007
4 83.6 in 1987 4 83.9 in 2003
5 83.5 in 1980 5 83.5 in 1980
6 83.4 in 2009 6 83.3 in 1981
6 83.4 in 2006 7 83.2 in 1987
*8 83.2 in 2010* 8 83.1 in 1998
8 83.2 in 2003 9 83.0 in 1941
10 83.1 in 2002 10 82.8 in 2006
10 83.1 in 1954

Normal for August at lwlf1 = 81.1
normal for July/August at lwlf1 = 81.2
records began January 1935


Warmest Jun/Jul/Aug warmest may/Jun/Jul/Aug

1 83.8 in 2003 1 83.8 in 2003
2 83.6 in 1998 *2 82.1 in 2010*
3 83.3 in 1981 3 82.0 in 1981
4 83.1 in 2005 4 81.9 in 2006
*5 83.0 in 2010* 4 81.9 in 1998
5 83.0 in 2007 6 81.7 in 2009
7 82.8 in 1987 6 81.7 in 2007
8 82.7 in 1980 8 81.4 in 1995
9 82.6 in 2009 8 81.4 in 1980
9 82.6 in 2006 10 81.3 in 1991
                      10 81.3 in 1987

Normal for June/July/August at lwlf1 = 80.8
normal for may/June/July/August at lwlf1 = 79.6
records began January 1935


Highest daily maximum temperature reading this Summer was
99 on June 15. All-time record high is 105 set on July 11 1988.

There were 76 days this Summer that the daily maximum
temperature reached or exceeded 90 degrees. The record is
90 days set in 1981.

There have been 103 days so far this year (jan-aug) where the
daily maximum temperature has reached or exceeded 90 degrees.
The record number of days for an entire year is 171 set in 1989.

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Sarasota-bradenton:

Warmest August warmest Jul/Aug

1 84.7 in 1998 1 84.5 in 1998
2 84.2 in 1997 2 83.6 in 2005
3 83.9 in 2007 2 83.6 in 1962
3 83.9 in 1995 4 83.5 in 1995
5 83.8 in 2005 *5 83.4 in 2010*
5 83.8 in 1987 5 83.4 in 2007
7 83.7 in 1990 5 83.4 in 1997
*8 83.4 in 2010* 5 83.4 in 1987
8 83.4 in 2009 9 83.3 in 1990
8 83.4 in 1989 10 83.2 in 1989

Normal for August at srq = 82.1
normal for July/August at srq = 82.0
records began January 1911


Warmest Jun/Jul/Aug warmest may/Jun/Jul/Aug

1 84.3 in 1998 *1 82.5 in 2010*
*2 83.4 in 2010* 2 82.4 in 1998
3 82.8 in 1987 3 82.0 in 1995
4 82.7 in 2009 4 81.9 in 1990
4 82.7 in 1993 5 81.8 in 1991
4 82.7 in 1990 6 81.4 in 2009
4 82.7 in 1989 7 81.3 in 1987
8 82.5 in 2007 8 81.2 in 1989
8 82.5 in 2005 9 81.1 in 2007
8 82.5 in 1991 9 81.0 in 2008

Normal for June/July/August at srq = 81.5
normal for may/June/July/August at srq = 80.3
records began January 1911


Highest daily maximum temperature reading this Summer was
98 on June 12. All-time record high is 101 set on July 23 1971
and August 1 1972.

There were 70 days this Summer that the daily maximum
temperature reached or exceeded 90 degrees. The record is
88 days set in 1993 and 1998.

There have been 80 days so far this year (jan-aug) where the
daily maximum temperature has reached or exceeded 90 degrees.
The record number of days for an entire year is 148 set in 1990.

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Avon park:

Warmest August warmest Jul/Aug

1 85.0 in 1941 1 83.9 in 1961
2 84.1 in 2007 2 83.8 in 1962
3 84.0 in 1938 3 83.7 in 1969
4 83.9 in 1961 *4 83.5 in 2010*
5 83.8 in 1951 4 83.5 in 1960
5 83.8 in 1903 6 83.4 in 2007
7 83.7 in 1960 7 83.3 in 1958
8 83.6 in 1968 7 83.3 in 1942
8 83.6 in 1954 7 83.3 in 1941
10 83.5 in 2010* 10 83.2 in 1998
10 83.5 in 1955 10 83.2 in 1987
                      10 83.2 in 1932

Normal for August at avpf1 = 81.1
normal for July/August at avpf1 = 81.2
records began December 1901


Warmest Jun/Jul/Aug warmest may/Jun/Jul/Aug

1 83.7 in 1969 1 82.6 in 1969
*2 83.6 in 2010* *2 82.5 in 2010*
3 83.4 in 1998 3 82.3 in 1927
4 83.2 in 1961 4 82.0 in 1962
5 83.1 in 1958 5 81.8 in 1998
6 82.9 in 1962 5 81.8 in 1990
6 82.9 in 1927 5 81.8 in 1961
8 82.7 in 1960 8 81.6 in 1958
8 82.7 in 1952 9 81.5 in 1952
8 82.7 in 1941 9 81.5 in 1938

Normal for June/July/August at avpf1 = 80.8
normal for may/June/July/August at avpf1 = 79.7
records began December 1901


Highest daily maximum temperature reading this Summer was
99 on June 15 and 16... and August 4. All-time record high is
103 set on June 25 1950 and July 31 1961.

There were 80 days this Summer that the daily maximum
temperature reached or exceeded 90 degrees. The record is
90 days set in 1961.

There have been 103 days so far this year (jan-aug) where the
daily maximum temperature has reached or exceeded 90 degrees.
The record number of days for an entire year is 173 set in 1961.

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Fort myers:

Warmest August warmest Jul/Aug

1 84.8 in 1987 1 85.0 in 1981
2 84.4 in 2005 1 85.0 in 1979
2 84.4 in 1985 3 84.4 in 1987
4 84.3 in 1995 *4 84.2 in 2010*
4 84.3 in 1981 4 84.2 in 2005
4 84.3 in 1979 4 84.2 in 1980
*7 84.2 in 2010* 7 84.1 in 1962
7 84.2 in 2007 7 84.1 in 1942
9 84.0 in 1991 9 83.8 in 2007
9 84.0 in 1980 9 83.8 in 1998
9 84.0 in 1951 9 83.8 in 1995
                       9 83.8 in 1963
                       9 83.8 in 1961

August 2010 average thru the 29th at fmy= 84.2 (tied 7th)
July/August 2010 average thru the 29th at fmy = 84.2 (tied 4th)

Normal for August at fmy = 83.1
normal for July/August at fmy = 83.1
records began January 1902


Warmest Jun/Jul/Aug warmest may/Jun/Jul/Aug

1 85.3 in 1981 1 83.8 in 1981
*2 84.6 in 2010* *2 83.7 in 2010*
3 84.2 in 1979 3 82.9 in 1998
4 84.0 in 1998 3 82.9 in 1979
5 83.9 in 1987 5 82.8 in 1995
5 83.9 in 1980 6 82.6 in 1991
7 83.5 in 1985 6 82.6 in 1987
7 83.5 in 1982 6 82.6 in 1985
7 83.5 in 1942 9 82.5 in 2009
10 83.4 in 2009 10 82.4 in 2008
10 83.4 in 1993 10 82.4 in 1980

Normal for June/July/August at fmy = 82.8
normal for may/June/July/August at fmy = 81.8
records began January 1902


Highest daily maximum temperature reading this Summer was
98 on June 13 and 16. All-time record high is 103 set on
June 16 and 17 1981.

There were 80 days this Summer that the daily maximum
temperature reached or exceeded 90 degrees. The record is
91 days set in 1951.

There have been 101 days so far this year (jan-aug) where the
daily maximum temperature has reached or exceeded 90 degrees.
The record number of days for an entire year is 169 set in 1944.

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Rainfall across the region was highly variable ranging from as
little as 15 to over 40 inches. This is typical for Summer
thanks to the variability of thunderstorms and how one location
can receive a couple of inches of rain while another just a
short distance away will receive none. According to Doppler
radar estimates the heaviest rains this Summer fell in portions
of Levy and Lee counties where radar indicates amounts over
40 inches.


Summer 2010 rainfall
                       Jun-Aug dep FM Jun-Aug
site 2010 normal wettest/year

Chiefland 5 ESE 25.36 0.27 36.38/2001
Inverness 3 se 23.03 1.06 37.83/1965
Weeki Wachee 20.98 -0.98 39.43/2003
Brooksville chin hill 18.42 -4.22 57.08/1945
St Leo 19.92 -2.37 53.02/1945
Tarpon Springs 29.21 7.89 45.10/1909
Tampa 20.00 0.41 43.03/1945
St Petersburg 19.27 -1.80 47.62/1945
Plant City 21.63 -0.94 41.73/1943
Lakeland 27.04 5.20 33.29/1994
Winter Haven 23.56 1.01 35.47/2002
Mountain Lake 22.37 1.16 38.88/1945
Fort Green 12 WSW 24.49 0.24 47.04/2004
Sarasota-Bradenton 26.93 1.38 39.63/1992
Avon Park 2 W 26.73 4.49 40.10/1909
Venice 20.99 -0.53 38.01/1995
Archbold Bio stn 27.42 4.60 41.24/1974
Punta Gorda 27.11 3.06 47.45/1995
Fort Myers 26.45 -1.84 42.27/1974


For more local climate information... please visit our web Page at
http://weather.Gov/tampabay and click on the "local" link under
the climate subsection on the left side of the Page.