Florida’s Refreshing Coastal Winds: Unraveling the Science Behind Sea Breezes
Venice Florida’s Friendly Weather Service
Written by: Joseph G.
Source: Vectorstock
Florida’s captivating coastal regions treasure not only breathtaking beaches but also a unique weather phenomenon known as sea breezes. So far, this rainy season has been abnormally dry, but on average, summertime in Florida is known for its daily development of sea breezes. Keep reading as we take a closer look at a few of the reasons why these breezes are important and why Florida is one of the few states that experience this weather feature.
Sea breezes form when the temperature of the land and the sea differ significantly. During the day, the sun heats up the land more quickly than the sea, causing air to rise above the land. As this warm air rises, it creates a low-pressure zone over the land. Meanwhile, the cooler air over the sea creates a high-pressure zone. Air moves from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure.
The cooler air over the sea begins to move towards the land. As it does, it picks up moisture from the ocean and cools down. This cool, moist air then replaces the warm air that was rising over the land. The end result is a sea breeze that blows inland from the coast. When the warm air rises and creates an area of low pressure, clouds begin to form.
It’s important to note that sea breezes typically occur during the day and are strongest in the afternoon. This is why most mornings there are fewer clouds in the sky compared to the afternoon and evening hours. This is because the sun is strongest during the middle of the day, causing the land to heat up very quickly. Once again, when warm air rises over land, clouds form. Eventually, if these cumulus clouds continue to grow and gain moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, they turn into cumulonimbus clouds, which can then produce a substantial thunderstorm similar to the photo taken below by a viewer.
Source: Jackie (a fan of VFFWS)
Because it is so hot and humid during the summer months, these sea breezes will typically form each day. Some large-scale weather systems that may limit sea breeze formation would be a hurricane or tropical storm, for example.
Florida is also surrounded by water on three sides, otherwise known as a peninsula, which means that sea breezes can form on both the East and West coasts at the same time. An example from satellite imagery below shows what an active sea breeze looks like on both coastlines. In this specific case, you’ll notice cumulonimbus clouds on the West Coast, indicating thunderstorms near the coast extending somewhat inland.
As the sun begins to set and the temperature of the land and sea begin to equalize, the sea breeze will start to weaken and eventually die down. Hence why we typically see beautiful sunsets and drier conditions overnight.
Overall, sea breezes are an important part of the climate along the Florida coastline. They help to regulate temperature and provide a refreshing break from the heat of the day. Be sure to keep an eye out for these refreshing breezes and enjoy all that this beautiful state has to offer.
~ Joey