February 2024 Sunshine State Stats
In February 2024, both the average high and low temperatures inched two degrees higher than in January. While the month’s lowest temperature of 40 degrees was 6 degrees higher than in January, its high was 2 degrees lower, at 84 degrees. The slow upward trend suggests the “peak” of winter’s chill may have passed Central Florida. The average high of 72 degrees and low of 51 degrees are still cooler than the “normal” for February (75/54), as recorded at Leesburg International Airport (KLEE).
Reported rainfall at Leesburg International Airport (KLEE) increased by 1.25 inches from last month, totaling 3.25 inches. This total is .26 inches higher than the February normal precipitation level of 2.99 inches. Measurable precipitation was limited to just 7 of 29 days in this “Leap Year” version of February. The rainiest day occurred on February 17, when 1.29 inches fell.
February recorded its highest temperature of 84 degrees on the 11th and the lowest daily recorded temperature occurred on the 22nd, when the mercury bottomed out at 40 degrees.
Thunderstorm activity within a 20-mile radius of Leesburg International Airport occurred on February 4, when WeatherSentry recorded 94 cloud-to-ground lightning strikes.
Lightning Archive Report – 20-mile radius from Leesburg International Airport (KLEE)
Data and charts provided by weathersentry.dtn.com
Cloud to Ground Lightning – February 4, 2024
HVAC is the largest energy user in Central Florida homes, accounting for an average of 35 to 40% of kWh usage. As daytime temperatures are rising into the 80s with evenings dipping lower, many homes may be using both cooling and heating on the same day. Depending on one’s HVAC use, homeowners may experience higher-than-expected energy costs at this time of year.
Now is a good opportunity to complete seasonal maintenance 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.
March forecast from The Old Farmer’s Almanac:
The weather outlook for March 2024 begins with isolated showers and cool temperatures in the first five days. The following ten days are expected to remain sunny and cool, followed by a few days of showers with cool temperatures. The projection for the second half of March suggests warmer weather with a few scattered showers.
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.
