Introduction
This website began as a personal project to analyze climate trends in Denver, Colorado, where I live. I wanted to understand how global warming was affecting my local area.
After creating the initial Denver climate analysis, I became interested in expanding the project to other regions of the country to compare how different areas are experiencing climate change. This led to the creation of the Miami climate analysis section, which uses data from the Miami International Airport (MIA) weather station.
The data for this analysis comes from two primary sources: the National Weather Service (NWS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). We use data from 1948 to the present, with the 30 year windows making up the "normal" climate baseline. This is why our plots and statistics begin in 1978, allowing us to compare current conditions against this established baseline.
I found that many climate websites focus on either current weather or future projections, but there were fewer resources showing clear, easy-to-understand visualizations of historical climate trends. By creating these visualizations, I hope to make climate data more accessible and help people understand how their local climate is changing over time.
Temperature Trends in Miami
Average yearly temperatures in Miami over the past several decades:
The data shows a clear warming trend in Miami's tropical climate. While the city is known for its warm temperatures year-round, the overall trajectory shows a significant increase in average temperatures. The plot includes a linear fit for all years from 1948 to present and also includes a linear fit for the last 60 years, showing the temperature trend in degrees per year. These rising temperatures have important implications for Miami's coastal ecosystem, including coral reefs, and increase the risk of more intense hurricanes and heat-related health concerns.
Precipitation Trends in Miami
Total yearly precipitation in Miami over the past several decades:
Miami's precipitation patterns show interesting variations over time. The city's tropical monsoon climate means distinct wet and dry seasons, with most rainfall occurring during the summer months. The yearly totals can vary significantly, with some years experiencing extreme rainfall events while others see drought conditions. This variability is particularly important for South Florida's water management system and flood control infrastructure. The data helps us understand how climate change might be affecting the region's characteristic rainfall patterns and what that means for the future of this low-lying coastal city.