Florida's beach plans are getting washed out as El Nino brings a chill to the Sunshine State. Travelers like Harry Yazbeck, venturing from Washington, D.C., with hopes of sunny skies and warm waters, have been met with quite the gray disappointment. "I wanted to go to the beach," Yazbeck said in Delray Beach, according to WPTV. "I wanted to actually go in the water this trip. I didn't get a chance to do that, but next time."
Despite the colder, wetter conditions, Florida is still seeing an influx of tourists. A report from Visit Florida indicated a 0.7% rise in tourism compared to last year. Of note, there's been an upswing in the number of overseas and Canadian visitors, with increases of 19.3% and 60.3%, respectively. This data, as reported by both WPTV and WFLX, is pending the release of the figures from the fourth quarter which includes the holiday season.
El Nino, characterized by these deteriorating beach conditions, is laying its cold hand over what is typically a winter escape. James Wieland, a meteorologist with WFLX, described the current weather patterns in South Florida as "typical of El Nino years," which mean more clouds, wind, and rain. Hoping to catch a break from the downpour, beachgoers have been subjected to "extra fast" southern jet streams, ushering in storms every few days. "That's what shooting stuff at us. One after another, after another. Every three days now is the interval we've seen storm systems move on through," Wieland explained in an interview with WFLX.
The relentless weather isn't just dampening spirits but is known to spawn more severe weather events. Travelers, hoping to soak up some sun, are finding themselves unexpectedly navigating the whims of an aggravated climate. Floridians and visitors alike haven't found the opportunity to "chill and relax for a second until the next system comes. One is right behind the other," said Wieland, as the fast-paced jet stream persists in sending storm after storm their way. The irony of folks chilling as they are denied the unforgiving heat of their planned sunny respite is not lost in this season of erratic weather.
