Weather
Central Florida weather is all at once classic Florida and also very unique for the area. It goes without saying that there are minimal seasons – mainly just summer, almost summer, the brutal I wish it would end part of summer, and a brief fall and winter.
In the summer (End of May through early October) it will rain and thunderstorm almost every day. And on the days it doesn’t, the heat will be so brutal you wish it would. The temperature is generally in the 90s. Unlike coastal cities there is no sea breeze to cool down or relieve you.
The combination of high temperatures, high humidity, and opposing sea breezes from both the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, results in significant thunderstorm activity from June to September for the interior counties. Central Florida records more lightning strikes per area than any other region in Florida, and Florida records more lightning strikes than any other state in the USA. As a result, Florida, and more specifically, Central Florida, is often referred to as the “Thunderstorm capital of the USA”, or “Lightning Alley”. These severe thunderstorms often make Central Florida prone to many tornadoes. However, they are usually small and short lived.
Hurricanes are a threat to the coastal cities and can bring damage and stress to the Central Florida region as well. Hurricanes are slow moving and trackable from their inception so there is plenty of warning and time to prepare. That said, it can be difficult to predict with certainty and things can change at the last minute. Central Florida is a location that many Floridians from more coastal areas come to evacuate. That said, being prepared and safe should be a priority for your family.
“You need an emergency preparedness kit! The rest of the country makes jokes about us not evacuating when a storm is coming, but people don’t realize it’s not always black and white – having an emergency kit is non negotiable.”
Tips from our Momlando Readers
So why are we here? The fantastic non-summer months. Winters are dry and lovely with the average winter high temperature in Orlando being 72 °F. Cold snaps can come through but are usually short lived and an exciting time to pull out a sweater or coat. There’s nothing more joyous than a Florida Christmas spent in the pool or at the beach.
Safety
Keep your family safe by being prepared for the elements! UV resistant clothing is great if you’re going to be outdoors. Wear hats and sunglasses. Keep sunscreen in your baby bag or purse. Wear and reapply sunscreen often. Even when it’s overcast out, wear sunscreen. We also recommend bug spray to keep mosquito bites to a minimum. Bring refillable water bottles out with you to keep hydrated.
Swimming lessons are must haves to ensure your children are safe. Check out our tips for keeping your child safe in the water.
And one final note…Yes, there are gators in Florida. Everywhere. You need to be mindful that they can be in any freshwater body of water near you. This includes canals and retention ponds.
