<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>

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