Climate and Storm History of Delray Beach, Florida

Like other cities in the south eastern part of the sunny state of Florida, Delray Beach has a tropical rainforest climate.  Because of that, on average, the city has over 235 sunny days per year. It gets 58 inches of rain per year which is quiet higher compared to the average rainfall of the United States, that is, 37. Snowfall is 0 inches while the average US city gets 25 inches of snow per year. Likewise, the number of days with any measurable precipitation is 99. Delray Beach, FL, gets 58 inches of rain per year. Most precipitation on average occurs in September with 8.10 inches. During summer, especially in July, the temperature goes between 75°F (23.9°C) to 90°F (32.2°C). But the highest recorded temperature in Delray has reached up to 101°F in 1942 while the lowest went as far as 24°F in 1894. On the other hand, during winter, particularly in January, the temperature ranges between 57°F (13.9°C) to 75°F (23.9°C). Additionally, in a comfort index, which is based on humidity during the hot months, Delray Beach got a 28 out of 100, where higher is more comfortable. The US average on the comfort index is 44. 

Facing to the Atlantic Ocean, numerous hurricanes have passed and devastated Delray for many years. These hurricanes strike the city mostly during the months of June to September. Based on the records, over 114 hurricanes, 37 of them major have hit Florida from 1851 to 2006.  Almost 83% of the major hurricanes in the United States have struck the state. In fact, one of the most historical events in Delray Beach was during 1903 when hurricane winds wrecked the British ship, SS Inchulva, near the south end of Delray's municipal beach. On that time, early settlers of African descent who emigrated from the Bahamas initiated the rescue of the survivors. In average, Delray gets affected by hurricanes every 2.24 years. The average mph (speed/strength) of hurricane hits based on advisories on sustained winds is 107 mph.  

Delray City

Hurricane Wilma

The following names are the hurricanes that have hit the city in the past years :King, Able, Judith, Donna, Cleo, Isabell, Betsy, Dottie, David, Dennis, Isadore, Andrew, Jerry, Mitch, Harvey , Irene, Frances, Jeanne, Katrina, Wilma, Ernesto, and so on. On the 24^th day of October, Hurricane Wilma struck the city with a speed of 105 mph. It passed over Delray with the eye lasting approximately 45 minutes. Hurricane Wilma had caused huge damages to the houses, buildings, road signs, and trees.  

 Also, the tennis center in Delray suffered $350,000 in damage. Likewise, old school square roof have to be replaced and the city hall building was hit hard. Recently, Delray was greatly affected by a hurricane named Ernesto in 2006. The storm hit the city in August 30 with a high wind gust of 41 mph.