Florida Climate Variability and Prediction

Abstract

This chapter describes the sources and mechanisms for climate variability in Florida across timescales (i.e., seasonal-to-decadal) and how they are used to make predictions. Current capabilities in terms of prediction quality, with an emphasis on precipitation and land surface temperature on seasonal timescales, are introduced as well as challenges and opportunities for the future. The longer decadal time scales are discussed in the next chapter in conjunction with climate change associated with anthropogenic forcing. Key Messages • There is known large-scale climate variability (e.g., El Niño) that affect Florida's local climate. • While this large-scale climate variability can be predicted several months in advance, correctly capturing the regional impacts remains challenging.