CLIMATE

Southeastern North Carolina, as part of the Sunbelt area, offers moderate temperatures. The region experiences four distinct seasons, with picturesque weather during spring and fall, allowing for many outdoor activities.

Tropical air is present over the eastern section of North Carolina during much of the summer season, bringing warm temperatures and rather high humidity to the area. Afternoon temperatures may reach 90 degrees during the mid-summer, but seldom reach 100 degrees. Even in the hottest weather, early morning temperatures usually are in the upper 60's. Most summer rain is produced by thunderstorms, which can be accompanied by strong winds. Snow and sleet are rare occurrences, but we are blanketed with an occasional snowfall, permitting the making of snowmen and sledding down every hill that can be found. However, winter weather rarely interferes with business operations and rainfall provides ample water supplies.

The chart below reflects the average mean temperatures and rainfall in southeastern North Carolina for most reporting sites through 2007. It also reflects the elevation above sea level for the counties in southeastern North Carolina.

Average Mean Temperatures and Rainfall and Elevation Above Sea Level
in Southeastern North Carolina

County	Avg. Mean Temp. January	Avg. Mean Temp. July	Avg. Mean Annual Rainfall	Elevation Above Sea Level
Bladen	43 degrees F	79 degrees F	47 inches	50 ft.
Brunswick	45 degrees F	80 degrees F	56 inches	40 ft.
Columbus	47 degrees F	80 degrees F	50 inches	59 ft.
Cumberland	43 degrees F	80 degrees F	47 inches	107 ft.
Hoke	41 degrees F	80 degrees F	48 inches	262 ft.
New Hanover	47 degrees F	80 degrees F	57 inches	38 ft.
Pender	45 degrees F	79 degrees F	53 inches	49 ft.
Richmond	42 degrees F	80 degrees F	48 inches	211 ft.
Robeson	44 degrees F	79 degrees F	47 inches	137 ft.
Sampson	44 degrees F	79 degrees F	48 inches	158 ft.
Scotland	44 degrees F	80 degrees F	47 inches	227 ft.

Source: Southeast Regional Climate Center, Historical Climate Summaries for North Carolina www.sercc.com/climateinfo/historical/historical_NC.html and NC Climate www.nc-climate.ncsu.edu/cronos/normals.php February 2008.