According to Oxford, weather is ‘the state of the atmosphere at a particular place and time as regards heat, cloudiness, dryness, sunshine, wind, and rain. Climate is the type of weather that a country or region has.

Climate change is changes in the earth’s weather, including changes in temperature, wind patterns and rainfall, especially the increase in the temperature of the earth’s atmosphere that is caused by the increase of particular gases, especially carbon dioxide.

Meteorology is the scientific study of weather. Seasonal weather is what is suitable or typical of the time of year. A weather spell is a period when there is a particular type of weather. A weather forecast  is a report on likely weather conditions for a period of time in the future.

The United States is renowned for its diverse weather patterns, which vary dramatically across its vast landscape. From sunny beaches to snowy mountains, arid deserts to humid swamps, the U.S. experiences almost every type of weather imaginable. This diversity is shaped by its geographical size, varied topography, and the influence of both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

A Breakdown of Regional Weather in the USA

The U.S. can be divided into several distinct regions, each with its unique climate and weather patterns:

1. Northeast:

   • Climate: Humid continental.
   • Seasons: Four distinct seasons with hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters.
   • Weather Highlights: Fall foliage, nor’easters (coastal storms), and occasional hurricanes.

2. Southeast:

   • Climate: Humid subtropical.
   • Seasons: Long, hot, humid summers and mild winters.
   • Weather Highlights: Frequent thunderstorms, tropical storms, and hurricanes during the summer and fall.

3. Midwest:

   • Climate: Humid continental in the east; semi-arid in the west.
   • Seasons: Harsh winters with heavy snow and hot summers.
   • Weather Highlights: Tornado Alley experiences numerous tornadoes in the spring and summer.

4. Southwest:

   • Climate: Arid and semi-arid.
   • Seasons: Hot, dry summers and mild winters.
   • Weather Highlights: Intense heat in the deserts (e.g., Death Valley) and monsoon rains in late summer.

5. West Coast:

   • Climate: Mediterranean in the south and marine in the north.
   • Seasons: Mild, wet winters and dry summers.
   • Weather Highlights: Fog in San Francisco, rainy winters in the Pacific Northwest, and wildfires during the dry season.

6. Mountain West:

   • Climate: Alpine and semi-arid.
   • Seasons: Cold, snowy winters and warm, dry summers.
   • Weather Highlights: Extreme elevation changes lead to microclimates, with snow in higher altitudes and warm valleys below.

7. Alaska:

   • Climate: Arctic in the north, subarctic in the interior, and maritime along the coast.
   • Weather Highlights: Long, cold winters, brief but warm summers, and stunning auroras.

8. Hawaii:

   • Climate: Tropical.
   • Weather Highlights: Warm temperatures year-round, trade winds, and occasional tropical storms or hurricanes.

Seasonal Weather Patterns in the USA

1. Spring (March to May):

   • Weather Trends: Warmer temperatures, blooming flowers, and increased rainfall.
   • Hazards: Tornadoes in the Midwest and Southeast, as well as flooding from heavy rains.

2. Summer (June to August):

   • Weather Trends: Hot temperatures nationwide, with high humidity in the East and South.
   • Hazards: Hurricanes along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, wildfires in the West, and severe thunderstorms.

3. Autumn (September to November):

   • Weather Trends: Cooler temperatures, particularly in the North, with vibrant fall foliage in the Northeast.
   • Hazards: The peak of hurricane season in early fall.

4. Winter (December to February):

   • Weather Trends: Snow and freezing temperatures dominate the northern states, while the South enjoys mild winters.
   • Hazards: Blizzards in the Midwest and Northeast, ice storms, and occasional cold snaps in the South.

Extreme Weather in the USA

The U.S. is no stranger to extreme weather events, making it one of the most climatically dynamic countries in the world:

1. Tornadoes:

   • The U.S. experiences more tornadoes than any other country, especially in "Tornado Alley" (Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska).

2. Hurricanes:

   • The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November, with the Gulf Coast and Southeastern states most vulnerable.

3. Wildfires:

   • Common in the West during dry summers and exacerbated by drought conditions.

4. Blizzards and Ice Storms:

   • The Midwest and Northeast often face heavy snowfall, icy roads, and power outages during winter storms.

5. Heat Waves:

   • Prolonged periods of extreme heat, particularly in the Southwest and Southern Plains, can pose health risks.

Factors Influencing Weather in the USA

Several factors contribute to the country’s diverse weather patterns:

1. Geographic Size: The U.S. spans nearly 3.8 million square miles, encompassing multiple climate zones.
2. Topography: Mountains, plains, and coastal regions create a variety of microclimates.
3. Oceans: The Atlantic and Pacific Oceans influence coastal weather, moderating temperatures and contributing to storms.
4. Jet Stream: This fast-moving air current affects weather patterns across the country, especially during winter.

Adapting to Weather in the USA

1. Be Prepared for Seasonal Changes: Pack appropriately for varying conditions, especially when traveling across regions.
2. Stay Informed: Use weather apps and local forecasts to monitor changing conditions.
3. Understand Risks: Familiarize yourself with regional hazards, such as hurricanes in the Southeast or wildfires in the West.

The Weather Is A Funny Thing

The USA’s weather diversity is a reflection of its vast size and geographical variety. From the snowy peaks of the Rockies to the balmy beaches of Hawaii, the country's dynamic climate offers something for everyone. While this diversity can bring challenges, such as extreme weather events, it also makes the U.S. a land of breathtaking natural beauty and endless exploration opportunities.

Here is a great reference for weather information.