Chapter 2: The Physical Environment

Louisville is part of the interior lowlands and has a humid subtropical climate. The city experiences four distinct seasons.

The winter can get very cold and snow storms are frequent with an average of 16.4 inches of snowfall per year. January is the coldest month on average with highs of 41 degrees Fahrenheit and lows of 25 degrees Fahrenheit. The city averages approximately 87 days a year with temperatures below freezing.  The wettest seasons are spring and fall, although rain is fairly constant year round. Autumn brings a kaleidoscope of colors. Severe weather is not uncommon with occasional tornado outbreaks in the region.  Summer is typically hazy, hot, and humid with long periods of 90-100 degree temperatures and drought conditions at times. The average annual rainfall averages around 44 inches and the mean annual temperature averages around 56 degrees Fahrenheit.

Sources:

http://www.weather.com/outlook/driving/interstate/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/USKY1096?from=36hr_bottomnav_driving

Photo 1: Lush summer, Louisville, KY

Photo 2: Spring flowers, Louisville, KY

Photo 3: Cherokee Park in autumn, Louisville, KY

Photo 4: Horse pasture in winter, Louisville, KY