October 2023 Sunshine State Stats
In October 2023, the monthly average high and low temperatures each dropped significantly from the early “shoulder” season temperatures of September. The average high temperature of 83 degrees, versus 90 in September, matched the decline of the average low temperature, which fell to 65 degrees versus 72 degrees last month. Rainfall reported from Leesburg International Airport (KLEE) decreased considerably, amounting to only 1.41 inches compared to 4.78 inches in September.
The 2023 Hurricane Season is coming to a close at the end of November, and only Hurricane Idalia has hit Florida directly. While most can breathe a sigh of relief, the restoration of damaged property and infrastructure in northern Florida will continue.
Measurable precipitation occurred on 5 of 31 days, and the highest accumulation was just .63 inches, on October 11. The monthly precipitation total of 1.41 inches is .26 inches more than that which fell during the same month last year at Leesburg International Airport (KLEE).
Thunderstorm activity within a 20-mile radius of Leesburg International Airport amounted to just 37 cloud-to-ground lightning strikes on a single day, October 12.
Lightning Archive Report – 20-mile radius from Leesburg International Airport (KLEE)
October 12, 2023
Data and charts provided by weathersentry.dtn.com
The moderating temperatures were consistent during the month, as the mercury touched 90 degrees only once, on October 5. The lowest daily recorded temperature (data from the Leesburg KLEE weather station) in October was 51 degrees (on October 18).
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, some homes may 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, be sure to check your thermostat settings to properly update them for the cooler months ahead. The energy-efficient thermostat setting during hotter months is 78 degrees and during colder months it is 68 degrees.
November forecast from The Old Farmer’s Almanac:
The weather outlook for November 2023 appears to suggest higher-than-average temperatures resulting in a monthly average of 74 degrees (about 6 degrees higher than average). Occasional scattered showers are predicted, but sunny days will outweigh the cloudy ones.
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.
