December 2023 Sunshine State Stats
In December 2023, the monthly average high and low temperatures continued to drop as winter arrived on December 21. The average high temperature of 71 degrees fell 5 degrees from November’s 76-degree average, while the average low temperature of 54 degrees was 4 degrees lower than the November average low. The 62-degree overall average temperature for the month also dropped by 5 degrees from the November average.
Rainfall reported from Leesburg International Airport (KLEE) increased, totaling 4.31 inches, an increase of 0.97 inch over last month and a dramatic increase over last year’s December total of .87 inch. Measurable precipitation occurred on 6 of 31 days, with the rainiest day occurring on December 16, when roughly 2/3 of the entire month’s total (2.94 inches) fell. The month of December saw its highest temperature of 83 degrees twice, on December 2nd and 3rd. The lowest daily recorded temperature (data from the Leesburg KLEE weather station) occurred on the final day of December, hitting 42 degrees on the 31st.
Thunderstorm activity within a 20-mile radius of Leesburg International Airport amounted to just 6 cloud-to-ground lightning strikes on December 10 between 5:25 p.m. and 5:45 p.m.
Lightning Archive Report – 20-mile radius from Leesburg International Airport (KLEE)
Data and charts provided by weathersentry.dtn.com
HVAC is the largest energy user in Central Florida homes, accounting for an average of 35 to 40% of kWh usage. As evenings become cooler, many homes begin to utilize heating instead of air conditioning. While this time of year usually presents a good opportunity to minimize electricity usage, it is also a good time to consider having seasonal maintenance performed on your HVAC system. Also, check your thermostat settings to update them for the cooler months ahead properly. The energy-efficient thermostat setting during hotter months is 78 degrees and during colder months it is 68 degrees.
January forecast from The Old Farmer’s Almanac:
The weather outlook for January 2024 depends on the week. The first week suggests rainy weather with colder temps, while the second week anticipates milder temperatures with sunshine. The third week returns to cold and rain, and the forecast for the last week is a combination of all: showers, then sunny and cold.
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.
