What are the geography and climate of Pennsylvania?

Answer 1

Pennsylvania has a varied geography and climate. There are mountainous areas in central PA and in the northeast. The areas to the south and east are flatter and lower in elevation. The northwest is situated off Lake Erie. Northwest Pennsylvania has harsh winters with cold temperatures and lots of cloudiness and snow due to the proximity to Lake Erie. The snow belt extends through Erie PA up into central and western NY. Pittsburgh has winters that are cold, extremely cloudy and moderately snowy. Central PA in the mountains, through State College, also has very cold winters with lots of cloudiness and relatively heavy snowfall. Winters in southeast PA near Philly are cold but considerably less snowy than the rest of the state. There are more sunny days in the southeast, as this region is not affected by cloudiness from Lake Erie. Spring in PA tends to be cold and rainy in March and April. May brings better weather with mild temperatures and a bit more sunshine. Summer in PA tends to be quite pleasant in the northern, central and western parts of the state. Pittsburgh and State College have very nice summers, with many days that are pleasantly warm without being uncomfortably hot. The southeast near Philly occasionally gets quite hot and humid, but there are also many pleasant days interspersed in between hot spells. Falls are generally delightful in Pennsylvania, especially in the early months. September and October bring lots of perfect sunny days and mild temperatures, with beautiful fall foliage. Leaves turn brilliant colors in October. Unfortunately this pleasant weather is short lived, as November brings more cloudiness and the return of cold winter winds.