United States Climate Patterns

The country's size and range of latitudes give it nearly every climate type found anywhere in the world. The Northeast and Midwest have a four-season continental climate, while the Southeast is humid subtropical, with mild winters and hot, storm-prone summers.

The Southwest is a true desert climate -- summers routinely exceed 40°C (104°F) -- while the Pacific Northwest is famously wet and mild, and California's coast enjoys a Mediterranean climate.

Alaska ranges from subarctic to true Arctic conditions, while Hawaii's tropical climate stays warm year-round. Hurricane season (June-November) affects the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, and tornado season (spring) affects the central "Tornado Alley" states.