A Warm Winter
by Wayne Gentry, Meteorologist

Among all the things we promote in the tourism industry, weather is one of the most important. Over the winter months, the bulk of our visitors relish the opportunity to walk outside and see flowers in bloom. Our weather is arguably our number one “attraction.”

Many of you may already know that the period from September through January was the warmest on record for the Southeast and much of North America. Though our records only go back roughly 150 years, depending on where you live, it’s no small feat to top any record that has stood for the majority of our country’s history.

March 20th was the official onset of spring, but many of our markets have been thinking “spring” for months. On the other hand, Atlanta and Myrtle Beach have endured a few cold snaps, but even their temperatures for the year have averaged three to five degrees warmer than usual. In contrast, Key West has experienced slightly cooler conditions, dipping the mercury to 48 on January 16th, a record low for that date. And finally, the Gulf Coast was apparently rewarded for their endurance of last year’s hurricane season with New Orleans, Destin, and Panama City all coming in five to seven degrees warmer than average for 2006.

Most everyone will acknowledge that “global warming” is occurring, but the real debate is going to center on why, how long, and the ultimate impact on our lives. Nevertheless, we can count on the colder temperatures “up north” to drive a sure and steady stream of visitors to our sunny climes. Apparently they are attracted to our weather…and that’s a good thing!

I’ll keep watching the sky, Y’all keep watching The Tourist Network!

Dear Wayne,

Do you really think that the #1 attraction here is the weather? My humble opinion believes that beautiful young women in bikinis on the sugar white sand beaches would be #1, the weather #2. If it's beautiful, but no hotties on the beach, the dudes just aren't gonna stay.

Your weather forecasts are the best in the area, and you seem very cool, but I saw you out once and you had on some really funky lookin' socks dude. But keep up the great work and "old guys rock!"

Point #1 is a good one and is my #1 attraction to PCB, too. But, it only applies to most men (and maybe a small handful of ladies).

And, from someone who works with Wayne on a daily basis... we can all only aspire to be as cool as Wayne. He is the epitome of cool (funny socks or not).

best damn weatherman this area will EVER see. gives everyone what they want......tourists, fisherman, surfers, beach businesses......he is the only weatherman in the area that "gives it like ya want it", is cool doing it, and my bet is, would be a blast to party with, dude!

beach tv is hip too......like it better, the more i watch it!



peace & good fortune!