Weather

Some of the most pivotal climate-change questions — and potential solutions — focus on Florida. The Sunshine State, with its low elevation and 825 miles of shoreline, make it one of the planet’s most vulnerable locations for both sea-level rise and intensified weather events.

Climate change is making flooding and wind damage from hurricanes more common in the U.S. That means dangerous storms are getting more frequent, even though the total number of storms isn't changing.

While much of the country is experiencing snow storms and ice, above-average temperatures are arriving in the Sunshine State this week.

Parts of the Florida Panhandle and Peninsula are in for a very stormy start to the weekend. 2 big waves of storms, with multiple rounds in between, are expected between tonight and late Saturday.

It’s no secret Florida can get very, very hot. Locals are accustomed to it while visitors flock to the Sunshine State to escape colder temperatures. But this heat is not to be taken lightly and can threaten your life and safety.

Most Floridians are no stranger to the annual hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30 every year. 2022 saw a very destructive season, with Hurricane Ian shaping up as Florida’s costliest storm in history. Unfortunately, Ian and the late-season entry of Hurricane Nicole serve as a reminder of Florida’s vulnerability to these powerful storms.

Florida has a landscape ripe for thunderstorm development. According to the Florida Division of Emergency Management, Florida averages just over 70 thunderstorms days per year. Some areas of the Gulf Coast can even get up to 100.

Strong storms are possible Thursday and Friday over the Panhandle and North Florida. In addition to damaging winds, local flooding will be possible.

Since 1995, rip currents have killed more than 300 people in Florida. Rip current deaths often go unreported, but this weather phenomena can be just as deadly as hurricanes, tornadoes, lightning or flooding.“I don’t think people understand how deadly it is,” said Amy Godsey, Chief Meteorologist for the Florida Division of Emergency Management, “every year we have 30 to 35 fatalities just from rip currents. In a typical year that’s more than any other weather hazard.”

Often considered the country’s lightning capital, Florida experienced 285 lightning events per square mile in 2022. It’s a common hazard, especially following sea breeze storms typical during summer months.“It’s one of those hazards that just about everyone experiences,” said John Jensenius, Lightning Safety Specialist with the National Lightning Safety Council.