The University of North Carolina Press

256 pp., 6.125 x 9.25, 15 photos, 20 drawings, 41 figs., 23 tables, 46 maps, full color throughout, appends., index

Cloth

ISBN  978-0-8078-2961-5

Published: November 2005

Paper

ISBN  978-0-8078-5625-3

Published: November 2005

North Carolina Weather and Climate

By Peter J. Robinson

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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.

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.

Reviews

"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