Who We Are
Click on name to send email, names are listed with focal point duties

Meteorologist In Charge (MIC) - Matt Strahan Science and Operations Officer (SOO) -  Andrew Devanas Warning and Coordination Meteorologist (WCM) - Jon Rizzo Electronic Systems Analyst (ESA) - Paul Schaafsma Data Acquisition Program Manager (DAPM) - Tom Tarlton Information Technology Officer (ITO) - Patti Schmidt Administrative Support Assistant (ASA) - Jody Holliday

Why we are here

"The National Weather Service™ (NWS) provides weather, hydrologic, and climate forecasts and warnings for the United States, its territories, adjacent waters and ocean areas, for the protection of life and property and the enhancement of the national economy. NWS data and products form a national information database and infrastructure which can be used by other governmental agencies, the private sector, the public, and the global community. "
 

National Climatic Data Center's 'About this Station' description of Key West:

             Key West is located at the end of the Overseas Highway and near the western end of the Florida Keys, which are a chain of islands swinging in a southwesterly arc from the southeast coast of the Florida peninsula. The nearest point of the mainland is about 60 statute miles to the northeast, while Cuba at its closest point is 98 miles south. The city occupies the island of the same name which is 3 1/2 miles long and 1 mile wide. Its mean elevation is around 8 feet. The maximum elevation of 18 feet covers only about one acre in the western portion. Soil is a thin layer of sand, or marlfill, overlying a stratum of Oolitic limestone. Vegetation on the eastern end of the island is scanty, chiefly of low growth. The western end, where settlement and landscaping are older, has a little heavier growth. The airport and Weather Service Office are located on the southeast shore on partially filled mangrove swamp.

             The waters surrounding the key are quite shallow up to the mainland on the northeast and for 6 miles to the reef on the south. There is little wave action because the reef disrupts any established wave pattern.

             Because of the nearness of the Gulf Stream in the Straits of Florida, about l2 miles south and southeast, and the tempering effects of the Gulf of Mexico to the west and north, Key West has a notably mild, tropical-maritime climate in which the average temperatures during the winter are about l4 degrees lower than in summer. Cold fronts are strongly modified by the warm water as they move in from northerly quadrants in winter. There is no known record of frost, ice, sleet, or snow in Key West. Prevailing easterly tradewinds and sea breezes suppress the usual summertime heating. Diurnal variations throughout the year average only about l0 degrees. Precipitation is characterized by dry and wet seasons. The period of December through April receives abundant sunshine and slightly less than 25 percent of the annual rainfall. This rainfall usually occurs in advance of cold fronts in a few heavy showers, or occasionally five to eight light showers per month. June through October is normally the wet season, receiving approximately 53 percent of the yearly total in numerous showers and thunderstorms. Early morning is the favored time for diurnal showers. Easterly waves during this season occasionally bring excessive rainfall, while infrequent hurricanes may be accompanied by unusually heavy amounts. Humidity remains relatively high during the entire year.