Climate change across the Appalachians (Highlands: living, vs., moving to)

[Time2Settle]

I am interested in moving to the TN/ SC/ NC mountain area, and was wondering if anyone could explain weather differences from living East of the mountains vs. West of the mountains. Is there more snow on one side vs the other? Warmer? Are there vast changes in topography?

[drfranklin]

Not sure if this answers your question, but look at my old post:

Chattanooga vs. Greenville, SC

This describes those areas east and west of the Appalachian mountains. "Cold Air Damming" heavily influences the weather east of the mountains (esp the Upstate of SC and the Piedmont of NC).

Generally, more ice east of the mountains (CAD-influenced areas). Slightly more temp extremes west of the mountains. Elevation plays a huge role in both temps and precipitation. An example: lived in Seneca, SC (northwest SC) several years ago. Middle of January - nice day in Seneca - temps around 50 degrees and partly sunny. Decided to drive up to Highlands, NC (elevation > 4000 feet) - heard there were "flurries" - drive time about an hour up Hwy 28. Needless to say, it was snowing heavily with a temp around freezing - several inches of snow on the ground.

The Upstate of SC and Western NC provide an easy escape from summer heat and those looking for winter weather.

[mm34b]

Terrain Map - Google Maps

In winter, the greater part of North Carolina is partially protected by the mountain ranges from the frequent outbreaks of cold air which move southeastward across the central states. Such outbreaks often move southward all the way to the Gulf of Mexico without attaining sufficient strength and depth to traverse the heights of the Appalachian Range. When cold waves do break across, they are usually modified by the crossing and the descent on the eastern slopes.

You can compare the historical climate for various locations on both sides of the NC/TN border here:

NC - http://www.sercc.com/climateinfo/his...orical_nc.html

TN - http://www.sercc.com/climateinfo/his...orical_tn.html

[OconeeMountains]

I agree. Temps are milder (less temperature change extremes) on the East side of the mountains. Obviously elevation plays the another large role - the higher you go the colder the winters and milder the summers. Southwestern NC (In the mountains) and Western Upstate SC (in the foothills/mountains) are reputed to have mild temperatures and nice transitional seasons.