Searching for areas to relocate involves many factors, job opportunities, cost of living, and real estate, among other factors. Certainly climate plays a role in that decision, as well. For years, the traditional route was heading straight into year round warm weather. However, what most folks have realized is that four seasons works best to enjoy a variety of calendar long activities.
Enjoy All Four Seasons in Western NC
Western North Carolina is one such spot that enjoys a plethora of things to do, events to participate in and sights to see, simply because fall, winter, spring and summer actually exist here.
The nice thing about exploring and enjoying the four seasons in this area is that the differences here are the extremes. The mild climate exhibited in Western North Carolina lets you enjoy each wrinkle in the weather without having to be waist deep in snow or suffer any of the extended, punishing weather patterns exhibited in the Sun Belt or the northern half of the country.
The higher in the mountains you travel, the more the weather will fluctuate, as well. It is not uncommon to see snow on the mountains, which can stay for a few weeks at a time. On the plus side, the elongated stay of extreme heat or, especially extreme cold and snow is simply not prevalent here. However, the temperatures do vary enough to allow you to get outdoors and enjoy each of the seasons to the fullest.
Hiking, skiing, and enjoying the fall foliage are just a few of the many activities that are available with the weather patterns of this area. Going farther south may produce some semblance of seasonal variation, but not so much as Western North Carolina. Summer heat in parts farther south can produce a high humidity and heat factor lasting from mid-May through mid-September. Fall lasts longer than a northern version of it but winter tends to fairly lifeless with no bright sparkle of snow as you head into the more southern regions of the country.
Summer
The mountains and valleys of the western part of the state present an entirely different vantage point. The summers present milder weather, especially in the higher elevations, as well as having cool forests, and streams nearby to offer respite to the rare occasion it gets a little too warm in the valleys.
Spring
Spring gets an early start here, with milder temperatures starting to surface in March, where you will not see spring in some parts of the north until April or early May. It is a very colorful time, as well, as you begin to see the green of growth creeping up higher and higher up the mountainsides.
Fall
Fall presents itself with spectacular views of the changing colors of the leaves. Along with that, the chance to enjoy is ever present, also, with cooler, yet not cold temperatures. Hiking, biking, as well as any other outdoor activity is availed to you deep into fall.
Winter
Again, winter presents itself with more of a spirited and brighter variation than a winter further south. Snow can be seen in the mountains with a crispness to the air around the area. However, the winter is not a drawn out affair, enabling one to enjoy the season without feeling that the end is not quite near. The average high temperatures fall in the high forties to low fifties, with occasional snow, which provides a nice change of pace to the climate.
Isothermal Belt
One unique feature of this area is what is known as the isothermal belt, a weather phenomenon that is more prominent here than in many other regions. This environmental factor occurs at the foothills and southern slopes of the mountains. There is a temperature inversion which occurs, providing mild temperatures than are prevalent at either higher or lower elevations. This pattern especially helps protect any vegetation from frost and freezing conditions. It particularly helps budding plants and flowers in the spring and can be very helpful in the growing of many fruits, including apples and grapes.
Western North Carolina provides a rich variety of seasonal transformations. From a true changing of seasons to the uniqueness of the isothermal belt, this area is very much climate rich, enabling one to more fully enjoy the region.
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