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March 2024 Sunshine State Stats

In March 2024, the average high and low temperatures rose substantially over February. The month’s lowest temperature of 47 degrees was 7 degrees higher than in February, while the highest temperature of 88 degrees was 4 degrees higher than last month. Central Florida is headed away from the coolest part of the year into milder spring weather. The average high of 79 degrees matches the “normal” temperature for March, while the average low of 60 degrees was two degrees warmer than usual, as recorded at Leesburg International Airport (KLEE). 

Reported rainfall increased slightly from February, totaling 3.44 inches. This total is .59 inches lower than the average March precipitation level of 4.03 inches, but significantly higher than a year ago when only .16 inches fell. Measurable precipitation was limited to just 7 of 31 days and the rainiest days were March 10 and 22, when 1.14 inches fell. 

 

March recorded its highest temperature of 88 degrees on the 9th. The lowest daily recorded temperature of 47 degrees was on the 20th, one day after the lowest measured high temp of 67 degrees.

 

Thunderstorm activity within a 20-mile radius of Leesburg International Airport was much higher in the first half of March than in the second half. WeatherSentry recorded 2045 cloud-to-ground lightning strikes on March 2, 3, 6, and 10, while only 182 strikes were recorded on March 18 and 27.

 

 

Lightning Archive Report – 20-mile radius from Leesburg International Airport (KLEE)

Data and charts provided by weathersentry.dtn.com

 

Cloud to ground lightning in March 2024

Cloud to Ground Lightning – March 1-14, 2024 (2045 strikes)

 

 

Cloud to ground lightning in March 2024

Cloud to Ground Lightning – March 15–31, 2024 (182 strikes) 

 

 

The increase in thunderstorm activity is a reminder to those who own a backup power generator to be sure the unit is in safe operating condition. In 2023, lightning was the single highest cause of power outages in the SECO Energy service area. SECO offers a meter-based surge arrester designed to protect large appliances (motors and compressors) by reducing surges at the meter BEFORE they enter the home. Members can lease or purchase the “Surge MitiGator” by filling out a contact form.

 

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 and 90s, many households may notice an increase in energy costs. Be sure to check your thermostat settings to properly update them for these warmer months. The energy-efficient thermostat setting during hotter months is 78 degrees.

 

April forecast from The Old Farmer’s Almanac:

The weather outlook for April 2024 begins with sunny and warm temperatures with scattered showers in the first two weeks. The following two weeks are expected to deliver isolated showers to heavy rain while temps remain mild to warm.

 

Online Energy-Efficiency Tools

Log into SmartHub to view past bills and consumption charts to check historical usage. If you want help in reducing your energy usage, 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.

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).

February 2024 Sunshine State Stats data

 

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

 

Lightning strikes on February 4, 2024

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.

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).

January 2024 Sunshine State Stats

 

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

 

Lightning strikes on January 9, 2024

Cloud to Ground Lightning – January 9, 2024

 

Lightning strikes on January 16 & 27, 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.

Sunshine State Stats, September 2017

September 2017’s Sunshine State Stats and the local weather was about the same as the previous September – with the exception of Cat 2/3 Hurricane Irma that barreled through the center of the state on Sunday, September 9.   The average temperature came in at 82°, while September of 2016 was a degree higher with an average temperature of 83°. Rainfall came in at 9.68 inches compared to last September at 6.14 inches. This was mainly due to Hurricane Irma.

 

There were 514 cooling degree days and 0 heating degree days for September 2017, while last year there were 502 cooling degree days with 0 heating degree days. The Degree Days are based on how much warmer or cooler the average temperature at a particular location is than 65°F. In other words, if the average temperature is 70° degrees outside on a particular day, there are 5 Cooling Degree Days for that day in that location.

 

SECO Energy's Sunshine State Stats for September 2017 - September's monthly averages and stats

 

October is forecast to be slightly warmer than normal with precipitation being higher than normal compared to last year. The hot and humid days of 2017 are almost behind us –  bringing lower energy bills. If you want to check historical usage, log into SmartHub to view past bills and charts.

 

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. If you want a member of our Energy Services team to come to your home to perform a free energy audit, contact us today to book an appointment.