St. Petersburg, Florida, often called St. Pete, is a desirable location known for its beautiful beaches and sunny weather. If you’re planning a visit or simply curious about the climate, understanding the typical temperature is key. This article delves into how temperature data for St. Pete is gathered and what you can generally expect in terms of weather.
To estimate the temperature and dew point in St. Petersburg, data is meticulously compiled from nearby weather stations. Two stations are considered close enough to provide reliable information for St. Pete. These stations record hourly weather reports, which are then statistically analyzed to give a comprehensive view of the typical weather conditions. Historical data and model reconstructions dating back to 1980 are used to ensure accuracy and provide a long-term perspective on temperature patterns.
Map showing weather station sources near St. Petersburg, Florida, used for temperature data analysis, highlighting Albert Whitted Airport (KSPG) and St. Petersburg–Clearwater International Airport (KPIE).
The weather stations that contribute to the temperature estimations are Albert Whitted Airport (KSPG) and St. Petersburg–Clearwater International Airport (KPIE). It’s important to note that data from these stations is adjusted to account for elevation differences between the station locations and St. Petersburg itself. This correction is based on the International Standard Atmosphere and factors in relative changes observed in the MERRA-2 satellite-era reanalysis data. The final temperature estimate for St. Petersburg is then calculated as a weighted average, giving more importance to data from stations closer to the city. This weighted average approach ensures a more localized and accurate temperature representation for St. Pete.
Beyond temperature, various other weather data points for St. Petersburg are derived from NASA’s MERRA-2 Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis. This includes information on cloud cover, precipitation, wind speed and direction, and solar flux. MERRA-2 is a sophisticated system that combines wide-area measurements with a global meteorological model to reconstruct hourly weather history across the world. This provides a comprehensive dataset for understanding the overall climate of St. Petersburg.
It’s important to remember that while these data sources provide a robust understanding of typical weather in St. Pete, they are based on historical averages and model reconstructions. Weather data is inherently variable and subject to potential inaccuracies. Therefore, the information presented should be considered as a general guide. For real-time weather updates and forecasts, it’s always recommended to consult live weather services.
Data Sources:
- Temperature and Dew Point: Calculated from nearby weather stations, corrected using International Standard Atmosphere and MERRA-2 reanalysis.
- Other Weather Data: NASA’s MERRA-2 Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis.
- Sun Position: Astronomical Algorithms 2nd Edition by Jean Meeus.
- Land Use Data: Global Land Cover SHARE database from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
- Elevation Data: Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
- Place Names and Locations: GeoNames Geographical Database.
- Time Zones: AskGeo.com.
- Maps: © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Disclaimer:
The weather information provided is for informational purposes and without guarantees of accuracy or suitability. It is based on models and historical data which have inherent limitations, especially in coastal areas and microclimates. Always use caution when making decisions based on weather data and consult multiple sources for critical applications. Please refer to the full terms of service for more details.
