If you’ve been feeling like this week has had you sweating like the summer, then you’re on to something. Record temperatures in Naples this week look strangely familiar to numbers we saw last July.
High Temperature December 25th: 89 degrees
High Temperature July 16th: 89 degrees
And although Fort Myers and Naples both put new records in the books on Christmas, including the all time record high for the month of December, the heat isn’t bottled up in southwest Florida. New York City, NY, Providence, RI and Atlanta, GA also celebrated Christmas with new records.
In fact, NOAA reports more than 3,000 record high temperatures have been tied or broken across the country since the start of the month. More than 4,000 new record low temperatures have also been set in the same time.
So why does Florida weather seem to be out of synch with the season?
The jet stream, which plays a big role in our local weather by directing the movement of cold fronts, hasn’t moved much lately. Instead, it has fed cooler weather for western portions of the country, while much of the east has been basking in the summer-like heat. The persistent ridge of high pressure over the southeast has also been efficient in blocking off any cold fronts from penetrating the area, keeping our weather warm and drier for the most part. And if that’s not enough, the clockwise flow around the high has kept southerly winds in place, adding to the humidity and tropical-feel that’s been anything but December-like across southwest Florida.
But don’t lose hope on the winter season. Model indications have been hinting that some cooler weather will be possible for the first weekend of the New Year! Hallelujah!
So, winter isn’t here. But it’s a bit premature to say, “It’ isn’t coming.” Enjoy the warm stretch while it’s around because cooler weather will make a comeback this winter.
