WEATHER
Interior portions of Connecticut have a humid continental climate, while
other parts, especially the Connecticut shoreline (southern four
counties), have a humid subtropical climate with
seasonal extremes tempered by proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. The city
of Bridgeport (on Long Island Sound), like most other areas in metropolitan New York, has a humid subtropical climate under
the Koppen Climate Classification system. Hartford (35 miles inland)
has a humid continental climate. The coast of Southern Connecticut is
often considered to be the farthest north on the U.S. east coast that
subtropical "indicator" species such as the Dwarf
Palmetto, Needle Palm, Windmill Palm, Crape Myrtle and the Southern Magnolia can be successfully cultivated.
Winters are generally considered to be cold, with average
temperatures ranging from 31 °F (−1 °C) in the maritime influenced
southeast to 23 °F (−5 °C) in the northwest in January. The average
yearly snowfall is about 25?100" (64?254 cm) across the state, with
higher totals in the northwest. Spring has variable temperatures with
frequent rainfall. Summer is hot and humid throughout the state, with
average highs in New London of 81 °F (27 °C) and 87 °F (31 °C) in
Windsor Locks. Fall months are mild and bring colorful foliage across
the state in October and November. During hurricane season, tropical
cyclones occasionally affect the region. Thunderstorms are most frequent
during the summer, occurring on average 30 times annually. These storms
can be severe, and the state usually averages one tornado per year.
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