August 8, 2016 (Monday)
Rio de Janeiro is closer to the equator than Key West. The equator is 1700 miles south of Key West and 1584 miles north of Rio. It’s winter in Rio, but the people there are hosting the Summer Olympics. Like Key West, Rio has a very moderate climate. Average temperatures for this date range from 67 to 75. Record high for today’s date is 91.
Rockport is roughly 200 miles farther from the equator than Key West, and because of our location in the central part of the country, more likely to experience real winter. For the most part, however, winters are mild here, and the climate, along with the natural beauty of the coast, draws many visitors throughout the winter months.
Rarely there have been frigid spells when freezing temperatures have stayed around for a few days. The effects are spectacular and devastating. Fish die by the millions, pipes freeze and when thawing flood homes, palm trees freeze and their top halves bow to the ground, and life changes for everyone, albeit briefly. Not too long ago the area experienced an unparalleled white Christmas. It was beautiful.
At times the changes in weather cause fog to form. A few winters I’ve seen have spawned fog day after day. It has been a while since we’ve had such a winter.
So, Rio de Janeiro, enjoy your experience of summer in the winter. Perhaps Rockport does not have a climate identical to yours, but ours is nice, and we like it here. We don’t expect our leisurely pace to be disturbed by the Olympics any time soon.