High atop the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania is the town of Mt. Pocono. It lies near the center of a vast resort region consisting of forested rolling mountains of this scenic landscape is at elevations of 1500 to 2000 feet above sea level and considerably higher than the surrounding terrain. It is this feature, perhaps more than any other, that has earned for the Poconos the reputation of having a "refreshing mountain climate." The rise of some 1000 to 1500 feet above adjacent lowlands is sufficient to insure pleasantly cool summers and cold winters with an abundance of snowfall and persistent snow cover. Annual temperatures average 5 degrees to 10 degrees lower and precipitation 8 to 12 inches more with snowfall 10 to 20 inches greater than surrounding areas at lower elevations.

During the summer months of June, July, and August, warm sunny days, cool clear nights, and clean fresh air with low humidity prevail. Afternoon temperatures generally reach the 70s and 80s while nights cool into the 50s and 60s. In July 60% of the afternoon temperatures reach 80 degrees, but 90 degree readings are normally observed on only 1 day each in July and August. On only one occasion during the entire period of record dating back to 1901 did the mercury climb to 100 degrees at Mt. Pocono on July 3, 1911. Afternoon and evening shower and thunderstorm activity reaches its peak in July, with an average of 8 thunderstorms, and nearly as many in both June and August. The rainfall from these storms, however is usually of short durations, several hours or less, so that interference with outdoor activity is minimal.

Although the summer-like weather leaves the scene early in September, plentiful autumn sunshine and light winds provide many mild balmy days through October. Afternoon temperatures reach 64 to 75 degrees on more than half of the days in September. Nights, however, become chilly by mid September as the mercury begins to dip more frequently below 55 degrees. The first freezing temperature of the season can be expected by October 1, dropping to similar levels on an average of 8 nights through the month. Except for the rainfall provided by an occasional storm passing northward along the eastern seaboard, autumn is fairly dry. Thunderstorm activity decreases and rainy spells are infrequent and of short duration.

Winter normally begins by mid November and extends through March. Rather cloudy conditions with temperatures near and below freezing are prevalent much of the time. Afternoon temperatures in January average 31 degrees with overnight low readings in the teens. The lowest temperature ever recorded at Mt. Pocono was -35 degrees on January 14, 1912. Rapid movement of weather systems provide highly variable day-to-day conditions. Precipitation is frequent but generally light and mostly in the form of snow. Snowfall per storm is most often in the 2 to 10 inch range although storm totals in excess of 12 inches can be expected several times each winter. Seasonal snowfall normally totals 50 to 60 inches and occasionally exceeds 100 inches with monthly amounts in excess of 40 inches. Measurable snow generally covers the ground 50% to 60% of the time during the winter months.

Surges of warm sunny weather interspersed among colder periods mark the arrival of spring in early April. Under the influence of more direct and longer durations of sunshine, daily temperatures moderate rather rapidly through April and May. Nights, however, remain cold into May. The average date of the last 32 degree temperature in spring is May 18. The daily temperature ranges are normally greater during spring than any other season of the year, averaging 20 to 23 degrees. Some snow may be seen in early April, but most of the precipitation is in the form of rain. Rainy spells of several days duration are not uncommon, however, more and more of the rainfall occurs from showers as the season progresses.