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Why is Florida not as cold long island in the winter?

Updated: 6/29/2023
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12y ago

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Florida is not as cold as an island in winter primarily due to its geographical location and the influence of surrounding bodies of water. Here are a few reasons:

Latitude: Florida is located at a relatively low latitude, extending from approximately 25 to 31 degrees north. This means it is closer to the equator compared to many other parts of the United States. As a result, Florida receives more direct sunlight throughout the year, which contributes to higher temperatures.

Warm Water Currents: Florida is surrounded by warm ocean currents, such as the Gulf Stream and the Florida Current. These currents bring warm water from the tropics, which helps moderate the temperatures along the coast. The warm water acts as a heat reservoir, preventing extreme cold temperatures from occurring during the winter months.

Maritime Influence: Florida has a significant maritime influence due to its long coastline and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Water has a higher specific heat capacity compared to land, meaning it takes more energy to change its temperature. As a result, the ocean acts as a moderating force, keeping the coastal areas of Florida relatively warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

Prevailing Winds: The prevailing winds in Florida during the winter months usually come from the west or northwest. These winds often originate from regions with milder temperatures, such as the Gulf of Mexico or the Caribbean, before reaching Florida. As a result, the air that reaches Florida from these directions is generally warmer than if it were coming from colder northern regions.

While Florida does experience cooler temperatures during the winter, especially in the northern parts of the state, the factors mentioned above contribute to its overall milder climate compared to many other locations at similar latitudes.

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puyatkasyl83

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10mo ago
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12y ago

Florida is closer to the equator than Long Island and is therefor normally warmer.

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Q: Why is Florida not as cold long island in the winter?
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