The USA varies tremendously in climate conditions. The southern half of the USA generally has overall warmer weather, but can still get very cold during the winter months. Look very closely at where your assignment is going to be and find out what to expect. The USA can be divided into six climatic regions, excluding Alaska, Hawaii and outlying territories

North Pacific
Mid/South Pacific Rockies
Southwest
Midwest
Northeast
South/Southwest

North Pacific (comprising Oregon and Washington to the crest of the Cascade Mountains)

This is the wettest part of the country, with precipitation in some of the high slopes exceeding 150"(3800 mm) annually. The moisture is generally year round, more often in the form of a light drizzle. In mid July, the morning can be damp and chilly yet it can become quite warm as the day goes on. Temperatures are mild year around, averaging around 40 degree F. (32.2 degree C). The summer months are pleasantly warmer but never hot. The cold waters of the Pacific current cause transistor fogs along the coast during the warmer weather, but these disappear by mid-day.

Mid/South Pacific Rockies (Comprising California, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah and Nevada)

These states have generally dry and delightful summers. California has excellent weather year round, with the northern part of the state somewhat cooler (quiet chilly in the winter but seldom freezing). The winter months in the other stated can be very cold; with temperatures dropping well below 0 degree F in Montana, Idaho and Wyoming. Colorado, Utah and Nevada are noted for their excellent skiing as snow is plentiful and numerous exist throughout these states.

Southwest (comprising Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma and western portions of Arkansas and Louisiana)

This is the hottest and most arid region of the US. Rain often comes in the forms of severe thunder storms, accompanied with spectacular, but dangerous, lightening and occasional tornadoes. The winters are generally short in duration, but some freezing rains do occur. The spring and fall seasons are quite long and temperatures are generally excellent. The summers are very hot with temperatures approaching and exceeding 100 degree F on many days.

The clean dry air, deep blue skies, and near universal air-conditioning of houses, buildings, cars and public transportion, make summer travel a pleasure though, even in the hottest of areas.

Midwest (comprising the Dakotas, Kansas, illinois, Lowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Indiana)

This north-south column is moderately dry; the further easy you go and/or the closer you are to the Great Lakes, the greater the chance of rain. Precipitation occurs mainly in late Spring and early Summer. All have excellent Summer weather, but the Winters are bitterly cold, with quite a lot of snow and heavy chilly winds. Extremes within the Midwest, range from -50 degree F.

Northeast (Comprising Ohio, Pennsylvania, Washington DC, Maryland, ans above)

This entire area is moderately rainy, averaging between 30"(762 mm) and 150"(1270 mm) a year. Precipitation is year, and is fairly eventually relieved with spells of clear weather. In winter, the area experiences a lot of snow and freezing rain. Summers are usually pleasantly sunny and warm; but the New York and New England stated experience periods of 'mugginess', when visits to the beach or air-conditioned entertainment centers seem called for. The fall is especially beautiful in wooded areas. Kaleidoscope foilage displays, and spells of 'Indian Summer', can last well into November.

South/Southwest (Comprising portions of Arkansas and Louisiana, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia and below)

Like the Northeast, this entire area experiences moderate rains fairly evenly throughout the year. The Spring, Summer and Fall seasons are all very pleasant. Some snow and freezing rain will fall in Winter; but, for the most part, the Winters are quite mild and short lived. Southern Florida, like California, usually has excellent weather year around. Many people from New York and New Wngland states retire in Florida due to its excellent climate. With the exception of Florida, the terrain is generally hilly, with mountains (Blue Ridge) running through several of the states. As you approach the areas closer to the Gulf of Mexico, the terrain flattens out.