Marked Seasons

• Weather patterns throughout the state of New Jersey are regulated by what meteorologists term a continental climate, that which is characteristic of the interior of a continent. The state of New Jersey lies approximately midway between the equator and the North Pole. Just as the majority of the continental United States, the city of Paterson, receives the majority of weather systems from the west. Known as prevailing westerlies, these typical patterns subject the city to variable yearly weather conditions, creating a marked four-season climate.
  
  

Growing Season

• The length of the growing season (less than four months) in the northern region of the state is approximately half the length of the growing season (almost eight months) in the southern parts of the state. Annual precipitation in the Paterson area averages approximately 51 inches, slightly more than average annual amounts in the southern part of the state. Paterson can be considered part of the New York City Metropolitan Area. In such a complex urban area, weather, especially in summer months can be warmer due to the retained heat.
  
  

Summer Weather

• Summer months in Paterson, New Jersey are marked by an influx of moist tropical air resulting in hot, humid conditions, with prevailing winds from the southwest. According to the state climatologist, 25 to 30 thunderstorms per year are average, and due to the mountains in the northern part of the state blocking the stabilizing effect of the ocean air, a higher percentage of thunderstorms find their way to the area as compare to coastal regions. Statewide average July temperature is 74 degrees Fahrenheit. In 1936, a summer temperature of 110 degrees Fahrenheit was recorded.
  
  

Winter Conditions

• Paterson residents experience cold winters with frequent heavy snowfalls and prevailing winds from the northwest. In addition, snow arrives approximately a month earlier in the northern highlands as compared to the southern regions, with average totals around 40 to 50 inches in the northern zone. Average January temperature for the state is 33 degrees Fahrenheit. The record cold temperature to date was recorded in 1904 at minus 34 degrees Fahrenheit. In January 1996, a state record 35-inch snowfall was recorded at Whitehouse, approximately 45 miles southwest of Paterson.