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

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.

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

4. Synthesize
Blue Ridge Parkway part of the Appalachian Mtns.

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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