Southeastern Pennsylvania's climate differs from the rest of the state.  This it due in large part to the Appalachian Mountains that outline the region which most of us from that area are familiar. 

Southeastern Pennsylvania is part of the Piedmont region, lying at the foothills of the mountains, which is also a sub-region in the greater Mid-Atlantic region. The area is identified as a separate climate division called Pennsylvania Southeastern Piedmont by the NOAA.

This area, because of it's climate, has some of the best farmable land in the state, although it has been overtaken in some areas by development, especially as you get closer to Philadelphia. 

The Southeastern area weather is less severe than other parts of the state, with more sunshine and milder winters.  January average highs range in the 36 to 39 degrees, with lows in the 18 to 22 degrees. However, you can have spikes going into the 50's and 60's, depending on whether the air flow from the North is pushing down or being pushed back by air coming from the South up the East Coast (following the Appalachian Mountains).

Summers are warm and humid, with average highs in the 84 to 87 degrees and lows in the 62 to 67 degrees, however, on the hottest summer days, it can reach into the high 90's, even breaking 100 with high humidity.

Weather usually will either move up along the East Coast (following the Appalachian Mountains), veering off at the Southeastern Corner of Pennsylvania (warmer), or come down out of the North and cutting across the state from the west (colder).

The region enjoys 4 distinct seasons, about equal in length, each with it's own unique beauty, average weather and enjoyment.

Copyright 2008 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.