What Winters Are Like: Temperature, Snow, Storms & Impacts

Typical Winter Characteristics (Northern Hemisphere Mid-Latitudes)

Temperature

Average highs 20–40 °F (–7 to 4 °C); lows often below freezing.

Snowfall

Annual 10–200+ inches (25–500+ cm) by region. Sierra Nevada, Rockies, Great Lakes snowbelts, Northeast get most.

Storms

• Nor'easters (NE US), Alberta clippers (Midwest), Pacific systems (West).
• Blizzards: sustained 35+ mph winds, visibility <¼ mi, 3+ hours.
• Ice storms: freezing rain glazes surfaces → power outages, travel paralysis.

Impacts

• Transport disruption (roads, airports, rail).
• Cold stress: hypothermia, frostbite risk for vulnerable populations.
• Energy demand spikes (heating).
• Economic: school closures, supply-chain delays, property damage.