Tropical Weather Headquarters

Rocketisms and JERisms:
Just remember the difference in a good or bad forecaster is INSTINCT, knowledge all can have...but that knowing something by just instinct will go alot farther than any book...follow that intinct even if it defies that "book" and you will see the light..we can only write it in a book after we learn it, INSTINCT of the unknown is how we learn by being either right or wrong...Author Outrocket.

Weather only happens every other day...Author Outrocket

Weather is like greed, sooner or later it can't hide what it is!...Author Outrocket.

Hurricanes are like unprotected sex, they can be so exciting you can't resist the experience, but the consequences can be very disruptive. Hope everyone in its path takes precautions :)...Author JER





Bob's 2008 Atlantic Forecast (June):
17 Named Storms
9 Hurricanes
5 Major Hurricanes


Final 2008 Atlantic Tropical Totals:
16 Named Storms
8 Hurricanes
5 Major Hurricanes



A Warm and Dry December:
Well in an instant replay of last year, December 2008 has come in at 4 degrees above normal in the Jacksonville area. After a below normal October and November in the temperature department, we have rebounded to an above normal December. The beat goes on as far as rainfall, as our dry fall has now turned into a very dry winter. Most areas across the Florida Pen. have turned in meager rainfall amounts for December. Jacksonville only recieved 0.59" of rainfall, and 0.50" of that came on December 11th.! Above normal temperatures continue as we begin January. We may finally see some much needed rain early next week as a strong frontal system moves towards the area. Could winter be over already for Florida??



Cold, Dry Fall:
Climate data for November is out for Jacksonville and we averaged 4 degrees below normal for the month! That is a pretty significant departure from normal. We were 1.4 degrees below normal in October, so overall its been a rather cool fall for North Florida. Precip has been averaging below normal since our rather wet August, mainly due to Tropical Storm Fay. Since Fay, its been rather dry around here. This could set us up for a bad fire season come Spring. Now to put these temperatures in perspective. Last year in November we were 2 degrees below normal only to turn it around in December with a 4 degrees above normal month. So, eventhough we have had a cool fall this does not mean it will be a cold winter. Although, looking at the extended forecast for the first two weeks of December, the Southeast will stay slightly below normal on the temperature side, but there is a chance for more rain then we have seen during the past month. Maybe old man winter will stick around this time!! We shall see.




2008 Atlantic Tropical Summary:
I found this summary of the 2008 season very informative and well done. This is courtesy of the NWS office in Jacksonville, FL. It shows that eventhough we had an above normal season, we really only had two big bursts of activity all season. And we had a major lull of activity during the "peak" of the season. Meteorologist Steve Letro does a great job in comparing the busy times with the lull in activity by comparing the different atmospheric conditions at the time. Also, the NWS office in Jacksonville has posted their winter outlook for NE Florida and SE Georgia. Looks like we may be in for a cold and dry winter.