January 2024 Sunshine State Stats
In January 2024, the monthly average high temperature dropped one degree while the average low fell 5 degrees from December as winter’s chill strengthened its grasp of Central Florida. The average high temperature of 70 degrees and low of 49 degrees nearly match the “normal” for January (71/49), as recorded at Leesburg International Airport (KLEE).
Reported rainfall at Leesburg International Airport (KLEE) decreased over 2 inches from December’s total, amounting to 2 inches versus 4.35 inches last month. This total is below the January normal precipitation level of 3.32 inches. Measurable precipitation occurred on 12 of 31 days, with the rainiest day occurring on January 9, when just .57 inches fell.
The month of January recorded its highest temperature of 84 degrees on the 27th and the lowest daily recorded temperature occurred on the 21st, when the mercury bottomed at 34 degrees.
Thunderstorm activity within a 20-mile radius of Leesburg International Airport occurred on three days in January. WeatherSentry recorded 155 cloud-to-ground lightning strikes on January 9, 25 strikes on January 16, and 7 strikes on January 27.
Lightning Archive Report – 20-mile radius from Leesburg International Airport (KLEE)
Data and charts provided by weathersentry.dtn.com
Cloud to Ground Lightning – January 9, 2024
Cloud to Ground Lightning – January 16 & 27, 2024
HVAC is the largest energy user in Central Florida homes, accounting for an average of 35 to 40% of kWh usage. As days and evenings become cooler during these winter months, many homes utilize heating instead of air conditioning. Depending on one’s heating system and the fuel used to produce heat (electricity or gas), homeowners may experience higher-than-expected energy costs at this time of year.
Now is a good opportunity to consider having seasonal maintenance performed on your HVAC system. Also, be sure to check your thermostat settings to properly update them for these cooler months. The energy-efficient thermostat setting during hotter months is 78 degrees and during colder months it is 68 degrees.
February forecast from The Old Farmer’s Almanac:
The weather outlook for February 2024 begins with sunny skies and cool temperatures in the first two weeks. The outlook for February 15-18 suggests rainy weather with milder temps, while February 19-24 looks to return to sunshine with cold temps changing to warmer temps. The projection for the final 4 days of the month is a period of rainy weather accompanied by mild temperatures.
Online Energy-Efficiency Tools
Log into SmartHub to view past bills and consumption charts to check historical usage. If your usage is high, SECO offers several energy-efficiency tools to help you identify energy wasters. Take the Home Energy Assessment to receive a detailed email tailored to your home’s features and lifestyle. The energy-saving advice will provide low-cost ways to decrease your usage – and your electric bill.
To easily calculate how much energy your appliances, lighting, electronic devices, and other energy-using items in your home consume, use the Energy Estimator.
