"Five States Have More Sun Than Florida"

**baggio248** · 06-23-2004, 09:58 AM

This article indicates just how bored I am here at work...I may have as much time as these people.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) -- The license plates proclaim Florida the Sunshine State, but the National Weather Service says five other states catch more rays.

Arizona is No. 1, followed by California, Nevada, New Mexico and Texas, according to the weather service, which monitors about 265 weather stations nationwide.

"We ought to call ourselves the Partly Cloudy State instead of the Sunshine State," Miami-based meteorologist Jim Lushine said. "But it probably wouldn't get the Chamber of Commerce's vote."

Florida has more days where between 20 to 70 percent of the sun is blocked by clouds than anywhere else in the continental United States, weather officials said. Weather experts said warm water surrounding the state, high humidity and a long rainy season make for cloudy skies.

Apalachicola, the sunniest spot in Florida, sees an average of 128 clear sunny days per year and Miami has 74. For comparison, Yuma, Ariz., has 242.

The Miami-Fort Lauderdale area averages 175 partly cloudy days per year and West Palm Beach, 159. Outside of Florida, the closest partly cloudy skies contender is Denver, with an average of 130.

But Florida still gets its fare share of sun. Key West sees sun an average 76 percent of its available daylight hours - the most in the state - followed by Miami with 70 percent.

Those cities still trail Yuma, which sees 90 percent sun; Redding, Calif., 88 percent; and Reno, Nev., 85 percent.

No need to get glum though - South Florida is consistently warmer than anywhere else in the continental United States, weather officials said.

Over the course of a year, Key West has a mean temperature of 78.1 degrees, Miami, 76.7 and West Palm Beach, 75.3.

Outside of Florida, the only places that come close are Yuma, with 75.3 degrees, and Brownsville, Texas, 73.3, the weather service said. Most of the nation hovers between the 50s and 60s.

**brainsmile** · 06-23-2004, 10:04 AM

whoo hoo... Cali representing

**DarkFury** · 06-23-2004, 10:29 AM

Such technicalities....

Anything to discredit Florida I guess...

**ufcrusher** · 06-23-2004, 10:43 AM

That article also doesnt take into account that the sun is actually stronger in Florida than other areas due to the fact that its subtropical. The news report here actually mentioned that.

I will take Florida weather over anywhere else. I find it amazing how many Floridians love the state and would do anything to stay/get back there vs. the comments from everyone who has never lived there. Everyone thinks its going to be horribly hot and miserable but after a little bit you dont even notice it.

**ialsohaveadream** · 06-23-2004, 11:21 AM

Good point, UF. There are very few places outside of Florida I'd move to. It's a great state, even if you don't like the beaches. And as for our average temperatures, they forgot to mention the humidity, which is so thick you can actually get your 64 fl oz. of water a day by just breathing the air.

**LegendKiller** · 06-23-2004, 11:24 AM

Originally Posted by ufcrusher

That article also doesnt take into account that the sun is actually stronger in Florida than other areas due to the fact that its subtropical. The news report here actually mentioned that.

I will take Florida weather over anywhere else. I find it amazing how many Floridians love the state and would do anything to stay/get back there vs. the comments from everyone who has never lived there. Everyone thinks its going to be horribly hot and miserable but after a little bit you dont even notice it.

Personally, I think FL sucks. Its hot all of the time, no seasonal changes. The heat and good weather is way overrated.

LK

**DarkFury** · 06-23-2004, 11:32 AM

Originally Posted by LegendKiller

Personally, I think FL sucks. Its hot all of the time, no seasonal changes. The heat and good weather is way overrated.

LK

You could always move...

They not forcing you to be there are they?

**ialsohaveadream** · 06-23-2004, 11:41 AM

Originally Posted by DarkFury

You could always move...

They not forcing you to be there are they?

I think LK's ankle bracelet counts as "forcing him" to stay.

Seriously, though, I think the heat in DC is actually just as bad as it is here, though at least there you do get some seasonal differences. I'm with LK on that....I'd like to be able to tell when spring moves into summer, summer to fall, etc. I don't think we really have a winter. It's more of a "fall part 2".

**ufcrusher** · 06-23-2004, 11:43 AM

Originally Posted by LegendKiller

Personally, I think FL sucks. Its hot all of the time, no seasonal changes. The heat and good weather is way overrated.

LK

Well LK, first off, are you a native or a transplant?

You are in Orlando (according to location) which is North Central Florida (as you well know), completely different climate than south florida. When I lived in Gainesville, it was consistently warmer than my house in south florida. You dont have the ocean breezes nor the opportunity to just hit the beach (without the long drive). The flip side of being north is you actually get cold weather more frequently then the southern side. Heck, I used to have to wear a down ski jacket in the winter and there were even flurries one day.

As for the seasonal changes.....thats not entirely true, the deciduous trees turn, but there arent that many so you dont have the waves of color you do elsewhere. The temperatures drop a bit as does the humidity. I guess it all depends on what you consider to be changes...its definitely not Fall in the Northeast, but there are changes.

**hapoo** · 06-23-2004, 11:44 AM

I've been to florida and i think the weather there sucks compared to cali. Its normal weather is normal, its hot weather is humid, and its stormy weather has hurricanes. Its got nothing on cali. The only thing that it has that we lack is warm beaches which isn't even weather.

**DarkFury** · 06-23-2004, 12:17 PM

Originally Posted by ialsohaveadream

I think LK's ankle bracelet counts as "forcing him" to stay.

Seriously, though, I think the heat in DC is actually just as bad as it is here, though at least there you do get some seasonal differences. I'm with LK on that....I'd like to be able to tell when spring moves into summer, summer to fall, etc. I don't think we really have a winter. It's more of a "fall part 2".

Indy has 3 seasons... Cold as Hell, Warming Up.... Hot as Hell. I could do without the "Cold as Hell" part of the year.

Originally Posted by ufcrusher

Well LK, first off, are you a native or a transplant?

You are in Orlando (according to location) which is North Central Florida (as you well know), completely different climate than south florida. When I lived in Gainesville, it was consistently warmer than my house in south florida. You dont have the ocean breezes nor the opportunity to just hit the beach (without the long drive). The flip side of being north is you actually get cold weather more frequently then the southern side. Heck, I used to have to wear a down ski jacket in the winter and there were even flurries one day.

As for the seasonal changes.....thats not entirely true, the deciduous trees turn, but there arent that many so you dont have the waves of color you do elsewhere. The temperatures drop a bit as does the humidity. I guess it all depends on what you consider to be changes...its definitely not Fall in the Northeast, but there are changes.

Yup.. and in "Northwest Florida" (i.e. Pensacola to Tallahassee) it DEFINITELY gets "cooler" in the Fall and Winter. I'd say that I've even seen temps in the low teens there during "Winter"... so that's enough "Winter" for me... I don't need "snow" to confirm that it is Winter outside...

You can keep that bull

I'll take "light jacket" Fall/Winter over "heavy coat with multiple layers and face coverings" any day....

**LegendKiller** · 06-23-2004, 01:09 PM

You would be correct in the fact that I do live in Orlando and it has a different climate. However, I have also spent weeks in Naples, a couple in St. Pete, a few more in Jacksonville, and I also lived for 2 years in Miami.

I have been all over this craphole state and I haven't seen really any redeeming qualities. The swamp was cool for 20 minutes. Orlando is nothing but a fake town. St. Pete has nice beaches (Siesta Key is cool), KSC is cool, but only once.

However, the weather is horrible no matter where you are. Hot, muggy, glasses fogging mind numbing humidity. The fact that I am a pale northerner who burns the second the sun touches my skin doesn't help.

You can only dress down so much until your naked in the heat and doing physical activies sucks. At least up north you can dress for the cold. I'd rather be in Chicago, MN, or somewhere else in the midwest.

Yes, I am captive here until I am done with ~3 years at this company, 8 months down, 28 more to go until I get out of this hellhole.

LK

**ufcrusher** · 06-23-2004, 01:52 PM

Originally Posted by LegendKiller

*snip*

I guess its different if you didnt spend a large portion of your time growing up down there. The things I love are all the non-touristy stuff. I love being able to dive all year round, with only having to wear a shorty at the worst. I love fishing. I love hitting the beach, the warm water, etc. The humidity is something that doesnt bother me that much. It only takes a few days to acclimate and then its no big deal. Everywhere you go has air conditioning. Playing sports isnt bad so long as you stay hydrated.

I know of only a few people who dislike the state who live there. One has lived there for 20+ years and misses the northeast. One has lived there for 10+ years and like you misses the seasons and the cold.

I would say embrace the state more, but I would hope that you already have tried everything. I unfortunately, am in a similar situation in California with being stuck here for a period of time, so I can understand your general feelings.

**whitak24** · 06-23-2004, 02:05 PM

i've never lived somewhere without "seasons", so i can't really speak from personal experience. but as someone who has spent my entire life living WITH seasons (particularly cold ones involving a lot of cold, ice, snow, and clouds), i find them highly overrated.

**DarkFury** · 06-23-2004, 02:11 PM

Originally Posted by LegendKiller

Yes, I am captive here until I am done with ~3 years at this company, 8 months down, 28 more to go until I get out of this hellhole.

LK

I'm sure the state can't wait for you to leave as well.

Maybe you can talk the company into a "transfer" or something.

Originally Posted by ufcrusher

I would say embrace the state more, but I would hope that you already have tried everything. I unfortunately, am in a similar situation in California with being stuck here for a period of time, so I can understand your general feelings.

I can somewhat agree with this assessment... Hell, I'm stuck in Indianapolis, and I HATE the snow, but I've learned to deal with it because I know that this is going to lead to better things one day.

Some folks are just SPOILED brats who just have to have LIFE their way... sometimes LIFE is what you make of it. Life gives you a lemon, add some water and sugar and make lemonade.

**Showtime** · 06-23-2004, 02:25 PM

I liked visiting florida, but the ocean felt like bathwater and that was kinda yucky.

-jel

**Burzhui** · 06-23-2004, 02:31 PM

Florida- America's Wang.... that's all there is to it

**Showtime** · 06-23-2004, 02:41 PM

LOL. I never heard that one before.

Ding ding ding!

We have a winner!

Gj there B.

-jel

**LegendKiller** · 06-23-2004, 02:57 PM

Originally Posted by whitak24

i've never lived somewhere without "seasons", so i can't really speak from personal experience. but as someone who has spent my entire life living WITH seasons (particularly cold ones involving a lot of cold, ice, snow, and clouds), i find them highly overrated.

Live without them and you will find them underrated.

Originally Posted by DarkFury

I'm sure the state can't wait for you to leave as well.

Maybe you can talk the company into a "transfer" or something.

I can somewhat agree with this assessment... Hell, I'm stuck in Indianapolis, and I HATE the snow, but I've learned to deal with it because I know that this is going to lead to better things one day.

Some folks are just SPOILED brats who just have to have LIFE their way... sometimes LIFE is what you make of it. Life gives you a lemon, add some water and sugar and make lemonade.

Can't transfer unless I hop company divisions, but my boss needs me too much to do that.

I am here because my fiance and she is worth it, I am entitled to bitch about it once in a while.

LK

**zenbooty** · 06-23-2004, 03:02 PM

Ahh Florida. From what little I've experienced of it, the South is like being on Long Island, and the North, Alabama. Strange State there.

And y'all haven't lived until you've done a couple summers in New Orleans.

**ufcrusher** · 06-23-2004, 03:18 PM

Originally Posted by zenbooty

Ahh Florida. From what little I've experienced of it, the South is like being on Long Island, and the North, Alabama. Strange State there.

And y'all haven't lived until you've done a couple summers in New Orleans.

Actually, its even more divided than that:
Southeast = transplanted north
Southwest = south
Everything north of Port Saint Lucie/Fort Pierce is closer to true south with orlando being somewhat of an exception.

Originally Posted by LegendKiller

I am here because my fiance and she is worth it, I am entitled to bitch about it once in a while.

LK

I came to California due to school, was going to transfer back after first year but didnt because of my girlfriend, who became my fiance, and is now my wife. I would have moved back right after school, but she is a left coaster and actually likes it here. I agreed to give it a chance for a year or two after we graduated. We are now past that and I still hate it.

**bachviet** · 06-23-2004, 03:37 PM

Eats that fact, FL!

**DarkFury** · 06-23-2004, 06:57 PM

Originally Posted by LegendKiller

I am here because my fiance and she is worth it, I am entitled to bitch about it once in a while.

LK

Nah you ain't... just suck it up and DEAL with it.

**hapoo** · 06-23-2004, 07:02 PM

Originally Posted by ufcrusher

but she is a left coaster and actually likes it here.

God forbid someone actually like living in California. Never heard of anyone want to actually come here before.

**DarkFury** · 06-23-2004, 07:04 PM

Originally Posted by Burzhui

Florida- America's Wang.... that's all there is to it

Like NY ain't the "cess pool" of America....

**yippiekiyeh** · 06-23-2004, 07:21 PM

I have to say Living in New Jersey vs Living in Cali. Cali living wins hands down.

But that would be just my opinion... umm on second thought, Cali sucks! Don't come here! It's not that great, FL is better go there! go there!

**Apex** · 06-23-2004, 07:37 PM

Florida, no state income tax!

**DarkFury** · 06-23-2004, 07:38 PM

Originally Posted by Apex

Florida, no state income tax!

Bingo... and cheap as hell licence plates.

Higher sales tax though... but not that high.

And if you can avoid living in the "tourist traps", you can buy a $150,000 home that would probably be equivalent to a $500,000 home in metropolitan areas of Cali (or a $200,000+ home here in Indy)