In the sunshine state, rain is rarely a stranger. In fact, Florida experiences more annual rainfall than any other state in the U.S., with an average yearly precipitation of around 70 inches. However, it’s important to remember that this figure varies widely across the peninsula, with some areas experiencing twice as much rain as others. This being said, no matter where you live in the state there’s a good chance you will see some rain at some point during the year; however, it mostly falls between June and October. To find out about the average rainfall for your area and tips on how to handle heavy rains if living in Florida read ahead!
Does It Rain A Lot In Florida?
It rains less in Florida than in many other states, but there is still quite a bit of rainfall throughout the year. In fact, on average, Florida sees about 50 inches of rain each year. Coastal areas see more precipitation than inland areas, and summer months tend to see more rain than winter months.
Why Does It Rain So Much In Florida?
- Florida is located in the humid subtropical zone, which means that it’s warm and wet (and also humid) throughout the year.
- The Gulf of Mexico is to the west of Florida and this means that there is a constant supply of moist air coming from the ocean. This moist air moves across Florida, condensing when it hits cooler air, and giving rise to rain clouds.
- The Gulf Stream – an ocean current that flows south from the north Atlantic Ocean – helps to keep Florida’s temperatures relatively mild along with its humidity levels. This makes for a climate that is relatively warm and wet all year round.
How Does This Affect Floridians?
Rainy days are unavoidable
For most Floridians, rain is a part of everyday life. While some areas can go a full year without seeing rainfall, there’s still plenty of rain in Florida to keep you occupied. From March through November, it’s not uncommon to experience a good downpour every three days or so. While this may be annoying during the summer months when you’re trying to enjoy the sunshine, it also happens to be one of the best times to take advantage of Florida’s beaches and water parks.
Rain can wreak havoc on your car and home
While heavy rains don’t seem like a big deal at first, they can quickly become an issue if not taken care of properly. The rain is likely to get your car wet and cause it to rust if left outside for too long. If you have valuables in your home that could be damaged by water damage, make sure to keep them away from the rain.
Rain can cause problems if you live in Florida
If you’re living in Florida and are unable to cope with the rain, there are a few things you can do to make it a little easier. First of all, you should make sure that your roof is in good shape so that water doesn’t leak into your home and cause damage. If your roof is damaged or looks as though it could be leaking, then you should contact a professional roofing company for help immediately so that they can fix the problem for you.
Rainwater can be collected and used for drinking purposes
In areas where it rains a lot, people have found that tapping into this water source allows them to use it for drinking purposes instead of purchasing bottled water from stores or buying cases of bottled water every month. This allows them to save money on their monthly water bill as well as not contributing to nonlesional roofing companies such as Roofers Edge to get it fixed.
When It Doesn’t Rain, How Can You Tell?
1. Palm trees in the evening
During dry spells, palm trees are one of the first plants to show signs of distress. They may look dry and unenthusiastic in a few weeks after they’ve been watered. If you see this, it’s time to water them again!
2. Flowering plants
This is one of the best indicators of a wet season at hand. When it starts raining, flowers start blooming and plants start growing again.
3. Weed growth
If you see weeds growing in your lawn or garden during dry weather, you’ll know that it’s about to rain soon!
4. Wet spots in your lawn
If you notice that your lawn is getting wetter than usual, you’ll know that it’s about to rain!
5. Water on the ground
This is a good indicator of a wet season at hand. If you see water on the ground, it means that it’s about to rain.
How To Handle Heavy Rains In Florida
1. Check the weather forecast
It’s important to remember that if it’s raining in Florida, you should expect the rain to continue for some time. If you are planning on remaining indoors, make sure your windows are closed and your doors and windows are locked. You should also make sure all electrical equipment is turned off and not plugged in. It is also recommended that you keep a bucket or some other water container close by so you can have a ready supply of water to drink and use as needed.
2. Consider taking cover
If heavy rains persist for several hours, it may be wise to take cover at least until the rain has stopped completely. This could mean going outside or seeking shelter indoors such as in an office or a school building with an interior stairwell or elevator. As long as these steps are taken, there is no need to panic! The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) advises that if you hear thunder, or lightning or see a large amount of rain, you should seek protection in a small building or automobile.
3. Listen to local radio and television stations
The FDOT also advises that it’s important to listen to local radio and television stations for weather updates. In addition, the FDOT suggests setting up an NOAA weather alert system as well as a family emergency plan. Some of the issues that may be discussed include reminder calls for people with special needs (including those who are deaf or hard of hearing), evacuation routes, and shelter information, including where to find emergency food and water.
4. Review your evacuation plan
If you decide to stay in your home during heavy rains, make sure you have an evacuation plan in place so you know what to do if there is an emergency at homes such as flooding or fire priority alert system. These systems will notify you of any severe weather warnings or watches that are issued by the National Weather Service.
Conclusion
Florida is one of the most diverse and unique states in the U.S., and this is in no small part down to its climate and weather. In the summer, it can get extremely hot, but the months between November and April are relatively mild and pleasant. What’s more, there’s plenty to do, see and explore throughout the year, regardless of the weather. From exploring the stunning coastline to visiting the ever-popular Walt Disney World Resort, there’s something for everyone in The Sunshine State. If you’re planning a trip to Florida, make sure to keep an eye on the weather forecast and pack accordingly. While you can’t predict the exact conditions you’ll encounter, you can be prepared for the majority of what you’ll see.
