What is the Climate of the West?
The West is made up of many different regions, each with their own climates. The West Coast of the United States has a mild climate, with warm summers and cool winters. The Southwest has a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. The Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains have a more continental climate, with colder winters and hotter summers.
West Coast
The West Coast of the United States is well known for its mild climate. The average temperatures in the summer range from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (15-26 degrees Celsius) and in the winter from 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (4-15 degrees Celsius). It typically does not get much colder than this in most areas, although there can be some areas of the coast that experience colder temperatures. The West Coast also receives a lot of rain, with some areas receiving up to 70 inches of precipitation per year.
Southwest
The Southwest is home to some of the hottest and driest climates in the United States. The average temperature in the summer can reach up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius). The winters in the Southwest are much milder, with temperatures rarely dropping below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius). This region also receives very little rainfall, with some areas receiving as little as 4 inches a year.
Rocky Mountains and Great Plains
The Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains have a more continental climate, with colder winters and hotter summers. The average summer temperature in this region can reach up to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius), while in the winter temperatures can dip down below 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-17 degrees Celsius). This region also receives much more precipitation than the West Coast or the Southwest, with some areas receiving up to 40 inches a year.
Conclusion
The West is made up of many different regions, each with their own climates. The West Coast of the United States has a mild climate, with warm summers and cool winters. The Southwest has a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. The Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains have a more continental climate, with colder winters and hotter summers. No matter what region of the West you visit, you are sure to find a unique climate to explore.
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.