Climate, or the average weather conditions of a specific region, affects everyone. From daily changes in weather to the change of seasons, climate regularly influences human decision-making. Plentiful water and a long growing season make agriculture productive. Yet one storm can devastate many lives.
Rainfall is one part of climate.
Annual rainfall amount and distribution through the year determines the plants that can grow at your address. If your rainfall is less than 10 inches a year, or if 20 out of 25 inches usually pours down in one month, don t expect to find many trees. On the other hand, if your neighborhood receives more than 50 inches of rain in a typical year, you may have a hard time keeping your lawn trees and bushes neatly trimmed. Annual rainfall amount also influences soil erosion, fire danger, drinking water and farming. Due to topographical variation, as well as the Gulf Stream off the coast, North Carolina has the largest climate variability of any state east of the Mississippi.