Climate
Located in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, Cabarrus County rests in an area of rolling country between the mountains to the west and the coastal plains to the east. Our general elevation is about 730 feet, with mountains approximately 80 miles to the northwest and the Atlantic Ocean about 160 miles southeast.
The mountains have a moderating effect on winter temperatures, warming the cold air from the northwest winds. The ocean is too far away to have a direct effect on summer temperatures, but in winter the jet stream sometimes warms the air blowing in from the ocean.
Cabarrus County enjoys a moderate climate, characterized by cool winters and warm summers. Temperatures fall as low as the freezing point slightly more than half the winter, but extreme cold periods are rare. Snow is infrequent, and the first snowfall tends to occur in late November or December. We've had our share of heavy snowfalls, but snow rarely accumulates on the ground for more than a day or two. On the average, the last 32-degree day is in early April. In the fall, the average first 32-degree day is early November.
Summers are long and warm, with humid conditions typical of the south. Afternoon temperatures frequently rise to the low 90s but reach the century mark only a few times during the summer. Rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year, with the driest weather usually in the fall. Summer rainfall comes principally from thunderstorms, with occasional dry periods of one to three weeks.
| Climate Facts | |
|---|---|
| Max. Avg. Annual Temp. | 71 F |
| Min. Avg. Annual Temp. | 47 F |
| Max. Jan. Temp. | 50 F |
| Min. Jan. Temp. | 28 F |
| Max. July Temp. | 88 F |
| Min. July Temp. | 67 F |
| Avg. Annual Preceipitation | 49 inches |
| Avg. Wind | 37 mph SE |
| Prevailing Wind | SW to NE |
| Avg. Annual Snowfall | 7 inches |
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