North Carolina’s Climate and Weather North Carolina in the American Experience Chapter 1 Section 2

Location Moderate year-round temperature as a result of its proximity to the equator. situated at eastern edge of North America, bordering the Atlantic Ocean Appalachian Mtns. affect the climate by acting as a barrier as winds move west to east Weather is affected by weather patterns in the Caribbean.

Altitude Altitude affects the climate: Coastal Plain – low elevation higher the altitude the cooler the air Coastal Plain – low elevation Piedmont

Synthesize Blue Ridge Parkway part of the Appalachian Mtns.

Precipitation Rain, sleet, hail, snow, fog, or dew Heavy snow fall in the mountains light snow in the Coastal Plain area No special rainy or dry season

Winds Blow mainly from the southwest September to October from northeast Winds were dangerous in the past blowing a ship off course or crash on a beach. Windmills were used to grind wheat and corn or pump water from underground wells Winds have shaped and reshaped NC’s coastline.

Assessment How do weather and climate differ? What factors help shape North Carolina’s climate? What aspects of North Carolina’s climate might have made it attractive to early settlers? What generalizations can you form about NC’s climate? What facts from the text support your generalization? North Carolina in the American Experience by McDougal Littell ©2008