May weather forecast
Lakeland, FL

May ushers in palpable early summer heat in Lakeland, as evidenced by a substantial rise in both the maximum and minimum temperatures that now range from 68.5°F (20.3°C) to 86.4°F (30.2°C). The accompanying increase in rainfall leads to a lush environment teeming with life. While the warmth and increased precipitation may lead to more humid conditions, the extended daylight hours can be used for outdoor activities. Increased cloud coverage does not deter the intensity of the sun, which maintains a constant UV index. May precursively mirrors the weather pattern expected in June.

Temperature

The beginning of May records an average high-temperature of a hot 86.4°F (30.2°C), marking a negligible difference from April's 82.6°F (28.1°C). May's nights in Lakeland observe an average temperature of 68.5°F (20.3°C).

Heat index

During May, the heat index is evaluated at a very hot 96.8°F (36°C). Undertake additional precautions, heat cramps and heat exhaustion could happen. Heatstroke could occur from sustained activity.
Heat index values are typically calculated for conditions of shade and a light breeze. Heat index values may rise by up to 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees when exposed to direct sunlight.
Note: The heat index, also known as 'real feel' or 'feels like', is the result of factoring in humidity to the air temperature, indicating perceived warmth. The influence of weather can be personal, changing with an individual's body mass, height, and level of physical exertion. Being under direct sunshine can magnify the heat experience, possibly pushing up the heat index by 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees. Heat index values are especially vital to children. Young children typically face greater hazards than adults because they do not sweat as much. Their larger skin surface in comparison to their little bodies and the high heat production from their active nature compounds their vulnerability.
The human body normally cools itself by perspiration, as evaporated sweat carries heat away from the body. A surge in relative humidity can disrupt the body's normal cooling function by slowing evaporation, hence reducing the rate at which the body cools and intensifying the perception of heat. When heat gain exceeds the level the body can remove, body temperature begins to rise, and heat-related illnesses and disorders may develop.

Humidity

In May, the average relative humidity is 73%.

Rainfall

In Lakeland, in May, it is raining for 10 days, with typically 0.71" (18mm) of accumulated precipitation. Throughout the year, there are 120.1 rainfall days, and 9.06" (230mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

Daylight

In May, the average length of the day is 13h and 33min.
On the first day of May, sunrise is at 6:47 am and sunset at 8:02 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 6:31 am and sunset at 8:19 pm EDT.

Sunshine

May and July, with an average of 10.6h of sunshine, are months with the most sunshine.

UV index

May through September, with an average maximum UV index of 7, are months with the highest UV index. A UV Index of 6 to 7 symbolizes a high threat to health from unsafe exposure to UV radiation for the average person.
Note: In May, the maximum UV index of 7 suggests this advice:
Take precautions and utilize sun safety practices. Protection against skin and eye damage is required. Stay out of direct sunlight and seek shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV radiation is strongest, but remember that shade devices may not offer full sun protection. A hat with a broad brim is indispensable, filtering out up to half of UV rays.