Coldest winter in U.S. in 25 years!

We in SWFL were not the only ones bundling up and cranking up the heat this winter...according to the National Climatic Data Center, the United States just experienced the coldest December-February period in 25 years, since 1984-1985, and the 18th coldest winter for the contiguous United States in the past 115 years! Teeth chattered the most in Texas and Louisiana which, when compared to average, experienced the coldest winters with their 5th coldest. Seven states other experienced top-ten coldest winters including our home state of Florida which had it's 9th coldest winter on record. Brrr!

Check out the state by state cold winter rankings on NOAA's website:

http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/sotc/get-file.php?report=national&image=Statewidetrank&year=2010&month=02&ext=gif

El Nino bears a large responsibility in keeping us cool in the Southeast. El Nino however has begun to weaken and most computer forecast models are predicting an end to El Nino by summer...which may not be great timing as we near the start of hurricane season. El Nino typically works to suppress hurricane activity.

Today's forecast: keeping with the cooler trend with high temperatures 5+ degrees below the average, but still comfortable with 70 degrees near the coast to mid 70s inland. Mostly sunny and breezy with wind gusts to 30 mph possible through the afternoon.

Enjoy the sunshine!
Lauren