The Research Triangle Region, centrally located between the Blue Ridge Mountains to the west and the Atlantic coast to the east, enjoys a favorable climate. The mountains form a partial barrier to cold air masses moving eastward across the U.S. As a result, there are few days in the heart of the winter season when the temperature falls below 32° Fahrenheit.
Tropical air is present over the eastern and central sections of North Carolina during much of the summer season, bringing warm temperatures and rather high humidity to the area. Afternoon temperatures reach 90° Fahrenheit on about one-quarter of the days in mid-summer, but seldom reach 100° Fahrenheit. Even in the hottest weather, early morning temperatures usually drop into the lower 70's.
There are typically about 220 days with sunshine each year. Rainfall is well distributed throughout the year with July and August having the greatest amount of rainfall, and October and November the least. There are times in spring and summer when soil moisture is low. This usually results from long periods between rains, rather than from a shortage of total rainfall. Most summer rain is produced by thunderstorms, which can be accompanied by strong winds, intense rainfall and occasional hail.
The Research Triangle Region is far enough from the coast that effects from severe coastal storms are reduced. While snow and sleet usually occur each year, substantial accumulations are rare.
Climate Indicators
| |
|
| Mean annual temperature |
59.8°F |
| Hottest month – July |
Daily Maximum 92.5°F |
| |
Daily Minimum 70.0°F |
| Coldest month – December |
Daily Maximum 55.8°F |
| |
Daily Minimum 31.9°F |
| Average annual snowfall |
6.9 inches |
| Prevailing wind from southwest |
Average 7.7 m.p.h. |
| Mean annual rainfall |
44.36 inches |
| Wettest month – July |
Mean 5.17 inches |
| Driest month – November |
Mean 2.63 inches |
| Average relative humidity |
70.00% |
| Growing season |
190 - 210 days |
|
|
Source: NC State Data Center
Research Triangle Region's Average Monthly Conditions
| |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
| Avg. High |
51°F |
56°F |
64°F |
73°F |
79°F |
86°F |
89°F |
87°F |
82°F |
72°F |
63°F |
54°F |
| Avg. Low |
32°F |
34°F |
41°F |
48°F |
57°F |
65°F |
69°F |
68°F |
62°F |
50°F |
42°F |
35°F |
| Mean |
42°F |
45°F |
52°F |
60°F |
68°F |
75°F |
79°F |
78°F |
72°F |
61°F |
53°F |
45°F |
| Avg. Precip. |
4.43 in |
3.60 in |
4.44 in |
2.98 in |
3.95 in |
4.05 in |
4.48 in |
4.23 in |
4.41 in |
3.58 in |
3.19 in |
3.21 in |
| Record High |
79°F (1932) |
82°F (1977) |
94°F (1907) |
95°F (1896) |
99°F(1941) |
103°F (1959) |
104°F (1977) |
103°F (1983) |
101°F (1932) |
96°F (1941) |
85°F (1974) |
85°F(1934) |
| Record Low |
-6°F (1985) |
-2°F (1899) |
13°F (1943) |
23°F (1923) |
33°F (1977) |
41°F (1977) |
48°F (1975) |
48°F (1976) |
37°F (1983) |
24°F (1981) |
15°F (1970) |
0°F (1917) |
Source: www.weather.com
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