Fall officially begins at 8:05 PM EDT tonight, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). The NWS explains that during the Autumnal Equinox, both hemispheres receive an equal amount of sunshine. While the Northern Hemisphere begins the fall season today, the Southern Hemisphere is entering their spring season. For Florida, this means days will get shorter, and nights will become longer. Additionally, the Climate Prediction Center (CPC) forecasts above normal precipitation amounts and temperatures for the entire state of Florida throughout October, November, and December.
During a regular fall season, rainfall amounts tend to trend the highest throughout October and lowest throughout November. The Miami area stays the wettest in October while Tampa stays the driest for both October and November. Tallahassee takes the lead in precipitation for December, and Miami stays the driest.
This autumn, North Florida and the Big Bend are forecasted to be the wettest regions with totals 60% to 70% above normal. The additional moisture is a result of a strong El Niño season. However, the tip of South Florida is expected to remain the driest region with precipitation amounts ranging between 33% to 40% above normal.
Temperatures are normally the warmest in October and the coldest in December for each Florida region in the fall. Miami trends the warmest, and Tallahassee trends the coldest for high and low temperatures.
Temperatures this season are expected to lean above average across the whole state, anywhere from 33% to 40% warmer than average. Usually, El Niño seasons bring us cooler temperatures.
This fall is forecasted to be warmer and wetter. Flooding chances may increase over the next three months in areas that receive higher than normal rainfall. In addition, the strong El Niño could put the state at a higher risk for severe weather. FPREN meteorologists will provide more updates about this season in the future.
