North Carolina Weather and Climate

by Peter J. Robinson

Overview

From blue skies to raging hurricanes, from ice storms to droughts, North Carolina's weather varies widely from season to season and from day to day. In this delightful and informative book, Peter Robinson provides a layperson's guide to the state's weather and climate and an introduction to the science that describes it.

What is North Carolina's "typical" weather? How does it vary from the coast to the mountains? How do we forecast it? With dozens of color maps and tables to make understanding easier, Robinson covers big issues such as the role of weather and climate in daily life, severe weather threats and their causes, and the meteorological effects of seasons. He also explains more specific phenomena including the causes of heating and cooling, the effects of acid rain, and the role of groundwater in weather.

Robinson addresses the state's weather history as well as long-term concerns associated with how air pollution affects weather and our health, and he explores why issues of local and global climate change matter. Throughout, he discusses weather in ways that can inform daily life, whether you're planting a garden, building a climate-friendly and energy-efficient home, or choosing a time and place for vacation.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780807856253
Publisher:	The University of North Carolina Press
Publication date:	11/28/2005
Edition description:	1
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.25(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Peter J. Robinson is professor of geography at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and director of the North Carolina Climate Program. He is coauthor of Contemporary Climatology.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

Robinson writes about the history of North Carolina weather, the science behind it, and what we can expect in the future.—Endeavors



In his highly entertaining, informative new book, Peter J. Robinson offers laypersons a new handbook, far more specific than 'The Farmer's Almanac,' amplifying the basics on North Carolina's weather and climate. . . . Richly illustrated.—Sanford Herald



Puts the science of the skies in simple, ordinary terms. All is explained in the setting of our state's unusually diverse geography.—Raleigh News & Observer



Robinson explains our weather in language anyone can understand. For planting, traveling, or just trying to understand the forecast, this guide will be a gift opened all year long.—Carolina Country



Well-written and beautifully illustrated. [This reviewer] would recommend it to anyone with interests in the Tar Heel State.—Weather Doctor Book Reviews



People fascinated by the natural world, weather buffs across the state and others have a treat coming.— Outer Banks Sentinel



Give this book a big, 'Hail yes!'. . . . A must-have for the section marked 'N.C.' on your bookshelf.—Independent Weekly



Robinson . . . has set out to make the Tar Heel State's weather understandable to the layperson. . . . The major elements of both global and North American weather are described in detail, with particular attention to how they influence North Carolina.—Mountain Xpress



[Robinson] thoroughly explains every facet of [the weather's] mysteries from air pollution and floods to hurricanes and tornadoes.—Carolina Arts and Sciences



If you are a newcomer to North Carolina, this book will help you to see immediately just how diverse our climate is. And even if you're a native of our state, you may not realize how much meteorological madness you can find here! In his own unique way, [Robinson] explains for you all the variables that go into making our weather among the most exciting in the world.—Greg Fishel, from the Foreword

Editorial Reviews

"Robinson writes about the history of North Carolina weather, the science behind it, and what we can expect in the future."
— Endeavors

From the Publisher