USA the climate interactive map

HUMID EAST

- The climate in the northeastern United States can vary significantly depending on the season.
- Summers tend to be warm to hot, with average temperatures ranging from 70°F to 90°F (21°C to 32°C), although heatwaves can push temperatures even higher.
- Winters are typically cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing, especially in January and February.
- Snowfall is common during the winter months, particularly in states like Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, and upstate New York.
- Spring and fall are transitional seasons, with mild temperatures and colorful foliage in the fall.
- Alaska's climate varies greatly depending on the region, but in general, it is characterized by long, cold winters and short, mild summers.
- The interior regions experience extremely cold temperatures in winter, often dropping below freezing, while coastal areas tend to be milder due to the influence of the ocean.
- Precipitation varies across the state, with some areas receiving heavy snowfall in winter and others experiencing more rain.
- Overall, Alaska's climate is known for its extremes and can be challenging to navigate, especially in the winter months.

ROCKY MOUNTAINS

- The climate in the Rocky Mountains varies depending on altitude and location within the range.
- Generally, higher elevations experience colder temperatures and more precipitation compared to lower elevations.
- Summers in the alpine regions are cool to mild, with average temperatures ranging from 50°F to 70°F (10°C to 21°C), but temperatures can drop significantly at night.
- Winters are cold and snowy, with temperatures often dropping below freezing and heavy snowfall, making it ideal for winter sports enthusiasts.
- Spring and fall are transitional seasons with rapidly changing weather conditions, including occasional snowfall in the early spring and frosty nights in the fall.

HUMID CONTINENTAL

- The climate in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States shares some similarities with the Northeast, but there are also some differences.
- Summers in the Mid-Atlantic tend to be hot and humid, with average temperatures ranging from 75°F to 90°F (24°C to 32°C).
- Winters are milder compared to the Northeast, with temperatures generally above freezing, although snowfall is still common, especially in states like Pennsylvania and Maryland.
- Spring and fall offer mild temperatures and colorful foliage, much like in the Northeast.

SOUTHERN MID-WEST SUBTROPICAL

- The Southeastern United States experiences a humid subtropical climate.
- Summers are hot and humid, with average temperatures ranging from 80°F to 95°F (27°C to 35°C) and frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
- Winters are mild to cool, with temperatures typically ranging from 40°F to 60°F (4°C to 16°C), although occasional cold snaps can occur, especially in northern parts of the region.
- Snowfall is rare, except in the higher elevations of the Appalachian Mountains.
- Spring and fall are pleasant with mild temperatures and blooming flora.
- Hawaii has two main seasons: the dry season, from May to October, and the wet season, from November to April.
- However, even during the wet season, rainfall is usually brief and localized, with plenty of sunshine in between.
- Hurricanes are rare in Hawaii due to its location in the central Pacific Ocean.

TROPICAL FLORIDA AND PUERTO RICO

- In Florida, especially in the tropical regions like Miami and the Florida Keys, the climate is characterized by warm temperatures year-round, with distinct wet and dry seasons.
- Summers tend to be hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 90°F (32°C) and frequent afternoon thunderstorms providing relief from the heat.
- Winters are mild and dry, with temperatures averaging around 70°F (21°C).
- Overall, the tropical Florida climate offers plenty of sunshine, lush vegetation, and a relaxed, outdoor lifestyle.
- Puerto Rico has a tropical climate with relatively consistent temperatures throughout the year.
- The average temperature ranges from around 70°F (21°C) in the cooler months to about 85°F (29°C) in the warmer months.
- The island experiences a wet season from May to October, during which heavy rain showers and thunderstorms are common, particularly in the afternoon.
- The dry season, from November to April, tends to be drier with less rainfall.
- Hurricanes are a potential threat to Puerto Rico, especially during the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June to November.

THE HUMID PACIFIC COAST

Breathtaking Islands of the Pacific Northwest - Whidbey Island

- The Pacific Northwest region of the United States, including states like Washington and Oregon, is known for its mild, temperate maritime climate.
- Summers are generally mild and dry, with average temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F (16°C to 24°C).
- Winters are cool and wet, with temperatures typically ranging from 40°F to 50°F (4°C to 10°C), and frequent rainfall, especially from November to March.
- Snowfall is rare at lower elevations but common in the mountainous areas.
- Spring and fall are characterized by mild temperatures and colorful foliage, with occasional rain showers.

THE DRY WEST

- The Southwestern United States generally experiences a desert climate in its inland areas and a semi-arid climate in its higher elevation regions.
- Summers are extremely hot and dry, with average temperatures often exceeding 100°F (38°C) in many parts of the region.
- Winters are mild to cool, with temperatures varying depending on elevation and latitude.
- Some areas, particularly in higher elevations, may experience snowfall during the winter months.
- Spring and fall are transitional seasons with milder temperatures, although spring can bring occasional dust storms and high winds.

GREAT PLAINS

- The Great Plains region of the United States experiences a continental climate with notable variations in temperature and precipitation throughout the year.
- Summers are typically hot and humid, with average temperatures ranging from 80°F to 90°F (27°C to 32°C), although temperatures can exceed 100°F (38°C) during heatwaves.
- Winters are cold and dry, with average temperatures ranging from 20°F to 40°F (-7°C to 4°C), and occasional blizzards bringing heavy snowfall and strong winds.
- Spring and fall are characterized by rapidly changing weather patterns, including thunderstorms, tornadoes, and temperature fluctuations.

MEDITERRANEAN CLIMATE

- The Mediterranean climate of California is characterized by mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers.
- Along the coast, temperatures are moderated by the ocean, with average highs ranging from 60°F to 75°F (16°C to 24°C) in the summer and 50°F to 65°F (10°C to 18°C) in the winter.
- Inland areas experience greater temperature variations, with hotter summers and colder winters.
- Rainfall is concentrated in the winter months, with dry summers often experiencing drought conditions.
- Snowfall is rare at lower elevations but occurs in the mountains.
- Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and blooming vegetation.

The Climate of the United States

The 100th meridian west (solid line) has long been considered the divide between the relatively moist eastern United States, and the more arid West. Climate change may already have started shifting the divide eastward (dotted line).

- The United States is a big country with many different types of weather.
- From sunny beaches to snowy mountains, the climate can vary a lot depending on where you are.
- In general, the United States has four main climate regions: temperate, arid, tropical, and polar.

Temperate Climate
- This type of climate is found in much of the United States, especially in the central and eastern regions.
- It's known for its four distinct seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter.
- Summers are usually warm to hot, while winters can be cold with snow in some areas.
- Places like New York, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., have a temperate climate.
Arid Climate
- Arid climates are dry with little rainfall.
- They're often found in the western part of the United States, including states like California, Nevada, and Arizona.
- These areas can be very hot in the summer and cool in the winter.
- Deserts like the Mojave Desert and the Sonoran Desert have arid climates.
Tropical Climate
- Tropical climates are warm and humid all year round.
- They're typically found in Hawaii, southern Florida, and parts of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- These areas have hot summers and mild winters, with plenty of rain throughout the year.
- Tropical rainforests like those in Hawaii have a tropical climate.
Polar Climate
- Polar climates are cold all year round, with long, harsh winters.
- They're found in Alaska and the northern parts of the country.
- Places like Barrow, Alaska, have polar climates, with freezing temperatures even in the summer.

- Overall, the United States has a diverse climate, offering something for everyone, whether you prefer sunny beaches, snowy mountains, or anything in between.