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Baltimore lies in a region about midway between the rigorous climates of the North and the
mild climates of the South and adjacent to the modifying influences of the Chesapeake Bay
and Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Appalachian Mountains to the west. Since this region
is near the average path of the low-pressure systems which move across the country, changes
in wind direction are frequent and contribute to the changeable character of the weather.
The net effect of the mountains to the west and the bay and ocean to the east is to produce
a more equable climate compared with other continental locations inland at the same latitude.
Rainfall distribution throughout the year is rather uniform, however the greatest intensities
are confined to the summer and early fall months. The average date for the last occurrence
in spring of temperatures as low as 32 degrees is mid-April. The average date for the first
occurrence in fall of temperatures as low as 32 degrees is late October. The freeze-free
period is approximately 194 days.
January is the coldest month, and July the warmest. Snowfall occurs on about eleven days
per year on the average, however, an average of only about six days annually produces
snowfalls of 1 inch or greater. Snow is frequently mixed with rain and sleet, and snow
seldom remains on the ground more than a few days. The annual prevailing wind direction is
from the west. Winter and spring months have the highest average wind speed.
Summary
Yearly Precipitation: 41.8 inches
Yearly Snowfall: 21.9 inches
Summer Temperature: 74.9 F
Winter Temperature: 34.7 F
Duration of Freeze Free Period: 186 days
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