What Climate Zone Is North Carolina?
North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. It is bordered by South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and the Atlantic Ocean. It is known for its mild climate and diverse landscape. Its climate can generally be divided into two warm and humid climate zones.
Piedmont Climate Zone
The Piedmont Climate Zone covers the majority of North Carolina. It is characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. The average annual temperature is around 60 degrees Fahrenheit and the average annual rainfall is around 43 inches.
The Piedmont Climate Zone is divided into four distinct subzones. The Coastal Plain subzone is characterized by hot and humid summers with mild winters. The Upper Piedmont subzone is cooler with longer winters and shorter summers. The Central Piedmont and Lower Piedmont subzones are warmer with shorter winters and longer summers.
Mountain Climate Zone
The Mountain Climate Zone covers the western part of the state. It is characterized by cooler temperatures and higher elevations. The average annual temperature is around 50 degrees Fahrenheit and the average annual rainfall is around 59 inches.
The Mountain Climate Zone is divided into two distinct subzones. The Low Mountain subzone is cooler with longer winters and shorter summers. The High Mountain subzone is cooler with shorter winters and longer summers.
Conclusion
North Carolina has two distinct climate zones: the Piedmont Climate Zone and the Mountain Climate Zone. The Piedmont Climate Zone covers the majority of the state and is characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. The Mountain Climate Zone covers the western part of the state and is characterized by cooler temperatures and higher elevations.
Kyle Whyte is a notable scholar and professor at the University of Michigan, holding positions such as the George Willis Pack Professor in the School for Environment and Sustainability and Professor of Philosophy. Specializing in environmental justice, his work critically examines climate policy and Indigenous peoples’ ethics, emphasizing the nexus between cooperative scientific endeavors and Indigenous justice. As an enrolled Citizen Potawatomi Nation member, he brings a vital perspective to his roles as a U.S. Science Envoy and member of the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council. His influential research is supported by various prestigious organizations including the National Science Foundation, and disseminated through publications in high-impact journals. Kyle actively contributes to global Indigenous research methodologies and education, with affiliations to numerous institutes and societies dedicated to traditional knowledge and sustainability. Recognized for his academic and community engagement, Kyle has earned multiple awards and served in various visiting professorships. His efforts extend to leadership positions on boards and committees focused on environmental justice nationwide.