What is the climate and geography of the Midwest?
The climate of the Midwestern U.S. is largely temperate one where all four seasons exist. However summers can be very hot and humid in some parts and winters can be very cold and full of blistery snow. This area of the country is also known for severe thunderstorms and even tornadoes.
Is the Midwest Region Hot or cold?
The Midwest is subject to extremely cold air masses from the far north, and warm, humid air masses from the Gulf of Mexico, resulting in a wide range of both temperature and precipitation extremes.
What is the climate of the Midwest in winter?
Winter Season Summary Overall, the Midwest experienced unseasonably warm average temperatures and below normal snowfall this winter. Average temperatures were at least 4°F above normal across the Midwest, with parts of Minnesota experiencing average temperatures that were 7°F to 9°F above normal (Figure 9).
Is Midwest hot?
Spring and autumn temperatures tend to be moderate, ranging from the 50s to 70s. Summers in the Midwest tend to be humid and hot. Temperatures in the 80s and 90s are common, and in many areas of the region, the temperature rises to triple digits at least a few times each summer.
Why is Midwest humid?
In addition to the heat dome affecting the Midwest is a process called transpiration. Plants draw water from the ground and it eventually evaporates off the leaves raising the level of humidity in the atmosphere. Corn and soybean plants transpire the most moisture.
What is winter like in the Midwest?
Winter Season Summary Overall, the Midwest experienced unseasonably warm average temperatures and below normal snowfall this winter. Average temperatures were at least 4°F above normal across the Midwest, with parts of Minnesota experiencing average temperatures that were 7°F to 9°F above normal (Figure 9).
Why is Midwest so warm?
In contrast, Midwest summers are characteristically hot and humid due to a semi-permanent high pressure system in the subtropical Atlantic that draws warm, humid ocean air into the area. Summer also tends to be the rainiest season, with short-lived rainfall and thunderstorms.
What are the four seasons in the Midwest?
Spring lasts throughout the months of March, April, and May. Summer consists of the months June, July, and August. Fall covers September, October, and November. Winter takes place in December, January, and February.
What is summer like in the Midwest?
Summers in the Midwest tend to be humid and hot. Temperatures in the 80s and 90s are common, and in many areas of the region, the temperature rises to triple digits at least a few times each summer.