<P> The climate of New York state is generally humid continental, while the extreme southeastern portion of the state (New York City area) lies in the warm Humid Subtropical climate zone . Winter temperatures average below freezing during January and February in much of New York state, but several degrees above freezing along the Atlantic coastline, including New York City . </P> <P> Seasonally, summer - like conditions prevail from June to early September statewide, while areas in far southern New York and New York City have summer conditions from late May through late September . Cold - air damming east of the Appalachians leads to protracted periods of cloud cover and precipitation east of the range, primarily between the October and April months . Winter - like conditions prevail from November through April in northern New York, and from December through March in southern New York . On average, western New York is much cloudier than points south and east in New York, much of it generated from the Great Lakes . Greenhouse gas emission is low on a per capita basis when compared to most other states due to the extensive use of mass transit, particularly across New York City . The significant urbanization within New York city has led to an urban heat island, which causes temperatures to be warmer overnight in all seasons . </P> <P> Annual precipitation is fairly even throughout the year across New York state . The Great Lakes region of New York sees the highest annual rain and snow amounts in New York state, and heavy lake - effect snow is common in both western and central New York in winter . In the hotter months, large, long - lived complexes of thunderstorms can invade the state from Canada and the Great Lakes, while tropical cyclones can bring rains and winds from the southwest during the summer and fall . Hurricane impacts on the state occur once every 18--19 years, with major hurricane impacts every 70--74 years . An average of ten tornadoes touch down in New York annually . </P> <P> The annual average temperature across the state ranges from around 39 ° F (4 ° C) over the Adirondack Mountains to near 53 ° F (12 ° C) across Long Island . Weather in New York is heavily influenced by two air masses: a warm, humid one from the southwest and a cold, dry one from the northwest . A cool, humid northeast airflow from the North Atlantic is much less common, and results in a persistent cloud deck with associated precipitation which linger across the region for prolonged periods of time . Temperature differences between the warmer coast and far northern inland sections can exceed 36 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius), with rain near the coast and frozen precipitation, such as sleet and freezing rain, falling inland . Two - thirds of such events occur between November and April. which moves from northeast to southwest . </P>

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