Climate of New York (state)

The climate of New York (state) is generally humid continental, while the extreme southeastern portion of the state (New York City and Long Island area) lies in the warmer humid subtropical climate zone. Winter temperatures average below freezing during January and February in much of the state of New York, but several degrees above freezing along the Atlantic coastline, including New York City and Long Island.

Seasonally, summer-like conditions prevail from May to early September statewide, while areas in far southern New York and New York City have summer conditions from late May through early-mid October. Do to frequent stormy weather and Lake Effect precipitation, the area of New York near the Great Lakes is much more cloudy than southernmost New York and Long Island. Winter-like conditions prevail from November through April in northern New York, and from December through March in southern New York. Greenhouse gas emission is low on a per-capita basis when compared to most other states due to the extensive use of mass transit, particularly across New York City. The significant urbanization within New York City has led to an urban heat island, which causes temperatures to be warmer overnight in all seasons.

Annual precipitation is fairly even throughout the year across the state of New York. The Great Lakes region of New York sees the highest annual rain and snow amounts in the state of New York, and heavy lake-effect snow is common in both western and central New York in winter. In the hotter months, large, long-lived complexes of thunderstorms can invade the state from points to the west, while tropical cyclones can bring rains and winds from the south during the summer and fall. Hurricane impacts on the state occur once every 15 years, with major hurricane impacts every 35 years. An average of ten tornadoes touch down in New York annually. Governors Island, Manhattan, in New York Harbor, is planned to host a US$1 billion research and education center poised to make New York City the global leader in addressing the climate crisis.^[1]