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Immediate coast is not always warmer than areas just inland:

Message from Mike coastal CT

Micro climates were part of my interest...it really is what got me started in this hobby.

Keep in mind that the immediate coast/beach is not always warmer than areas just inland from the coast – especially the more urban areas. While there is no doubt a moderating effect on immediate coastal areas and barrier islands from the influence of the (relatively) warmer ocean… urban areas just inland have much more hard, dark surfaces (higher albedo) that absorb short wave radiation during the day…then reemit long wave radiation during the night . Most people have heard of the “urban heat island “effect, but it has a much bigger impact that many people realize.

While Pomona might be inland from the immediate coast/beach areas of southern NJ…it does not necessarily mean it is much (or maybe any) warmer. Would Brigantine, surrounded by cool water and marsh areas radiate as much heat on long winter nights as the very built up area between Pleasantville out to AC Airport? I’m not sure.

NYC Central Park is the poster child of the UHI effect: The average low at the NWS reporting station in Central Park (26.9 F) is warmer than Atlantic City (24.5 F) by almost 2.5 F. Even Cape May, the warmest NWS reporting station in New Jersey… has average lows only 1 F warmer in January than Central Park 135 miles to the north. Folks along the coast of southern California will often vehemently will tell you how much warmer both day and night are a few miles inland compared to right at the beach.

I'm always cautious in assuming the immediate coast is always the very warmest spot.



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