Florida Summer Weather Outlook: What You Need to Know

Summer is upon us, and the experts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center have released their summer weather outlook for 2024. We're close enough to June, July and August now, that the NOAA tends to be very accurate when it comes to these shorter-range forecasts. So, at this point, you can trust that the NOAA trends will likely be what we experience in the warm summer months.

The big question, of course, for the summer weather outlook is whether we'll get a sweltering or cool summer in the U.S. Also, people want to know what kind of precipitation to expect. In the summer months, droughts are a major concern. Dry weather can also lead to forest fires, as we saw last year on the West Coast and in Canada.

The meteorological summer is from June 1 to August 31, so that's the range of the NOAA's forecast. Their new summer weather outlook has almost all of the U.S. experiencing warmer temperatures than usual. The greatest chance for hotter-than-normal temperatures is out West, in states such as Nevada and Idaho. Looking at the Northeast and states such as Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey, as well as the Midwest and states like Michigan, they're looking at 40% to 50% chance of above normal temperatures. The further Northeast you get, though, the higher the likelihood of having above-average temperatures. Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas are also looking to have a 40% to 50% chance of above normal temperatures. According to the forecast, no parts of the U.S. should expect a colder than normal summer. As for precipitation, the Midwest, including Michigan, is looking at average rainfall. Out West, including Nevada, is looking at drier conditions. Meanwhile, both the Northeast and South, including states such as Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas, are looking at a 33% to 50% chance of having more precipitation than normal.

The Farmer's Almanac also has their summer weather outlook out for 2024. In it, they state that this summer, "may bring the hottest temperatures in recorded history." They have the Midwest, including Michigan, as "muggy, stormy." The Northeast, they say, will be, "sultry, soggy"; Florida and Georgia will be "steamy, thundery"; and out West, including Nevada, will be "hot, dry." Also, the Weather Company recently released a summer forecast stating that warmer-than-average conditions are expected throughout much of the U.S. this summer. They also say this summer could be "one of the nation's hottest." Meanwhile, AccuWeather warns of a severe hurricane season this year. So, this summer, you need to know to protect yourself from the sun and expect dry conditions if you're out West.

Nobody likes dealing with severe weather. But, it's part of life. Depending on where you live in the United States, you might come up against hurricanes, tornados, severe thunderstorms, blizzards and more. I've certainly had my fair share of severe weather events. Probably my most vivid memory was being in an ice storm, which knocked power out for about a week where I lived, including during Christmas. It was freezing cold, so my family and I had to go to a hotel that was out of town. Needless to say, our Christmas plans were totally different that year. So, what are some severe weather safety tips that may safe your life?

Before we get to the main tips, let's get through some basics. Stay informed when a severe weather event is approaching. It's simple but important. You don't want to be caught off guard when bad weather strikes. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and National Weather Service both have information that they provide leading up to and during a severe weather event. So, make sure to get the latest information in the case of any weather emergency. Local meteorologists also have good information, but the main alerts come from the National Weather Service.

Another mistake some people make is not taking "watches" seriously. For example, you might see that there's a severe thunderstorm watch in your area and think, oh, it's just a watch, I can go out for a walk. Don't do it. "A watch is used when the risk of a hazardous weather or hydrologic event has increased significantly, but its occurrence, location or timing is still uncertain," the National Weather Service explains. We'll get more into the specifics of a watch, warning and advisory later in this story.

Let's get into some severe weather safety tips that may safe your life.

A weather advisory, watch and warning all need to be taken seriously. So, what do they mean? According to the National Weather Service, "a warning is issued when a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, imminent or likely." A watch is where "the risk of a hazardous weather or hydrologic event has increased significantly, but its occurrence, location or timing is still uncertain." Finally, an advisory means, "hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, imminent or likely."

During a severe thunderstorm, and any severe weather event, the best thing to do is stay inside and sheltered. "The best defense against thunderstorms is to stay inside a sturdy building or shelter that can protect you from deadly lightning, large hail, damaging winds, flooding rain and tornadoes," the National Weather Service says. Also, you don't want to risk getting hit by lightning, like in the image below.

During a tornado, get underground if possible. If you don't have a basement, get to the lowest floor possible. Also, during a tornado, watch for flying and falling debris. The National Weather Service advises to "use pillows, blankets, coats, helmets, etc. to cover up and protect your head and body from flying debris."

Be prepared. Have a good emergency kit, both in your house and your car. For the car, "An emergency kit should include booster cables, shovel, tow rope, sand or cat litter, and a flashlight with extra batteries," the National Weather Service says. "Do not forget a first aid kit, non-perishable food, and blankets or sleeping bags."

This one my mom and dad always tell me to do. And, they're right. "Keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel line," the National Weather Service advises.

Heat can make for a severe weather event, too. So, dress appropriately when it gets really hot. "Lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight, and helps your body maintain normal temperatures," the National Weather Service says. They add to guzzle lots of "water or non-alcoholic fluids."

Sometimes, you just have to leave ahead of the storm to be safe. In the case of a hurricane, the National Weather Service says to "leave immediately if ordered." They also say that if you are allowed to stay, to "take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level during the storm. Put as many walls between you and the outside as you can," and "stay away from windows, skylights and glass doors."

Weather isn't just about thunderstorms and tornados. Air quality is a big part of weather events these days, too. Be on the lookout for air quality alerts in your area. If you have respiratory issues, you should wear a mask when out and about in bad air quality. You should also say inside if the air quality is especially bad.

Even on a perfect weather day, if you're at the beach, there are risks. The NOAA states, "To stay safe, you need to stay aware of the weather, the ocean, tide, and what is going on around you." They add, "Storms, such as thunderstorms, tropical storms, and hurricanes far out at sea can create dangerous waves and currents at the beach, even on a sunny day!"