The state of Connecticut has temperate climate all the year long. This is marked by warm and humid summers, and mild winters.
Along the shoreline, however the climate is sub-tropical due to its proximities with the Atlantic Ocean. In the inner parts of Connecticut, the climate is almost continental. Hartford, which is 35 miles inside the shoreline, has a very humid and continental climate, while Bridgeport which is on the Long Island Sound, has a typical sub-tropical climate.
The summers of Connecticut are long, hot and humid, with an average temperature ranging from 21 to 24ºC. But in Windsor Locks, sometimes it soars as high as 31 °C. In the coastal regions, the temperature is more extreme than the inner lands. For example, Norfolk which is situated in the northwest, bears January temperature of –6°C (approx) and a July mean of 19°C, while Bridgeport, on the shoreline, –1°C in January and 22°C in July.
Thunderstorms do occur often. In the Connecticut River Valley, severe thunderstorms and tornadoes often rampage the region. The state sees at least 30 thunderstorms annually on an average, and at least one severe tropical hurricane a year.
Downtown Hartford was hit very severely by a flood in March 1936. In 1938, a hurricane followed the Connecticut Valley northward. It caused 85 deaths and losses of more than $125 million.
In spring, the state enjoys variable temperature with rainfall. The fall months of October and November, however spreads the aura of a beautiful weather with colourful foliage painting the scenario bright.
Connecticut had experienced drought a number of times from the past. The blow of the recent drought of 1963–66, was hazardous enough to cause a severe forest-fire that damaged crops, and resulted in the forced rationing of water.
Connecticut’s swamp areas in the rainy season are ideal places for a variety of ferns, cattails, cranberry, tussock sedge, skunk cabbage, spicebush, and false hellebore, sweet pepperbush, etc.
You are most likely to find a wide variety of wildlife in this region. Gray foxes, timber wolf, cougar, panther, raccoon and rattle snakes are seen in the summer months. In winter junco, pine grosbeak, snowy owl, and winter wrens can be seen.