North Carolina : Climatic Conditions

The climate of North Carolina is characterized by a humid, subtropical one. Winters are short and mild, while summers are usually very sultry. Spring and fall are distinct and refreshing periods of transition. Temperatures rarely cross 100°F (38°C) or fall below 10°F (–12°C) in most parts of North Carolina but differences in altitude and proximity to the ocean create significant local variations. Average January temperatures range from 36°F (21°C) to 48°F (9°C), with an average daily maximum January temperature of 51°F (11°C) and minimum of 29°F (–2°C). Average July temperatures range from 68°F (20°C) to 80°F (27°C), with an average daily high of 87°F (31°C) and a low of 66°F (19°C).

Precipitation also varies from region to region. Average annual precipitation at Charlotte (1971–2000) was 43.5 in (110.5 cm). The piedmont gets between 44 and 48 in (112 to 122 cm) of precipitation per year, while 44 to 56 inches (112 to 142 cm) annually fall on the coastal plain. Snowfall varies from 50 inches (127 cm) on Mt. Mitchell to only a trace amount at Cape Hatteras. Hurricanes are not uncommon during late summer and early autumn. Hurricane Diana struck the Carolina coast in September 1984, causing $36 million in damage. A series of tornadoes in March of that year killed 61 people, injured over 1,000, and caused damage exceeding $120 million. Hurricanes Hugo (1989) and Fran (1996) caused major damage.