El Niño Soaking South Florida’s Dry Season
January 12, 2016 The dry season has been anything but so far in South Florida, and the notorious climate pattern known as El Niño is the likely culprit.
According to National Weather Service meteorologists, most of South Florida saw continued above-average rainfall in December across the South Florida Water Management District’s 16-county region. District meteorologists reported today that a total of 3.75 inches of rain fell Districtwide in December, representing 199% of average, or 1.87 inches above average.
Eastern Miami-Dade County recorded its wettest December since recordkeeping began in 1932, and was the wettest region in the District for the month, with 10.89 inches of rain. The total represented 500% of average, or 8.71 inches above average for the month.
Broward County experienced its wettest December since 1958, with 7.11 inches, representing 316% of average, or 4.86 inches above average.
Palm Beach County saw its wettest December since 1994 with 6.52 inches of rain, representing 234% of average, or 3.73 inches above average.
According to the National Weather Service, this year’s extra strength El Niño climate pattern will contribute to a wetter and stormier dry season across much of Florida. Along with more storm chances will come an increased risk of tornadoes.
The previous week, strong storms accompanied a cold front that swept through the state. Reports indicated an EF-2 tornado touched down in Cape Coral, causing considerable damage.
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