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In south Dade County, as elsewhere, the climate and the geology determine the shape of the land, the drainage characteristics, and ultimately the activities of plants and animals and of man.

South Dade County has a subtropical, marine climate with long, warm, rainy summers and mild dry winters. Extremes in temperature are moderated by the ocean which warms the air in winter and cools it in summer. Humidity generally is high, usually decreasing during the day as the temperature rises.

Nearly constant southeast breezes, blowing across the warm Gulf Stream, tend to prevent northern cold fronts from reaching Miami. Occasionally, however, cold fronts invade the area and frosts occur. Average annual rainfall is around 60 inches. About two-thirds of the rain falls from June to October. Summer rains are generally sudden, localized, brief, and intense. Winter rains are usually associated with cold fronts.

Tropical hurricanes occasionally hit the Miami area during the summer and fall. Damaging winds and heavy rains, as well as high tides, can be expected even when the hurricane center is as much as 80 miles from Miami.

A subtropical climate has been an important factor in the explosive growth of the area. [larger image]

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