Located on the Mid-Atlantic coast, Baltimore was built at the mouth of the Patapsco River, which empties directly into the Chesapeake Bay. The city is protected from harsh weather variations year-round by the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Appalachian Mountains due west. Freezing temperatures generally do not occur after mid-April or before the end of October, allowing the area approximately 194 frost-free days. Precipitation, averaging 41 inches annually, tends to be equally distributed throughout the year, but the greatest amounts accrue during summer and early fall—the thunderstorm and hurricane seasons, respectively. Since snow is often mixed with rain and sleet due to Baltimore's relatively mild winter temperatures, freezing rain is considered a greater hazard to motorists and pedestrians than the infrequent snowfall that remains on the ground more than several days.
Area: 80.8 square miles (2000)
Elevation: 148 feet above sea level
Average Temperatures: January, 31.8° F; July, 77° F; annual average, 55.1° F
Average Annual Precipitation: 41.94 inches (22.7 inches of snow)