48
THE COUNTY’S NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
PLANNING ISSUE
The changes to the climate
brought about by increased
levels of greenhouse gas can
have broad implications for
the future due to warmer
temperatures, changes in local
vegetation, more severe
weather, and increased
impacts to human health.
What’s New
The Montgomery County greenhouse gas reduction plan
entitled
adopted by the county in December
2007, outlined different strategies for reducing
greenhouse gas emissions. The plan recognizes that
actions to minimize greenhouse gas emissions will
provide other significant benefits including increased
energy independence, traffic congestion reduction, open
space protection and farmland preservation, smart growth
and the revitalization of our older communities, economic
development opportunities, and, in many cases, cost
savings through energy conservation. Some of the actions
taken in accordance with the plan include:
•
Reduced energy consumption in county buildings
through lighting and HVAC renovations
•
New energy service contracts at Parkhouse and the
Montgomery County Correctional Facility
•
Transit service payment benefits made available to
county employees
•
Expanded bike to work opportunities for county
employees
•
Increased recycling and waste reduction throughout
the county
•
Extension of county trail network
•
Preparation of sustainability plans for two
municipalities
•
Creation of model ordinances to encourage mixed-use,
transit-friendly and higher density developments
•
Management of several tree planting projects
•
Preservation of farmland and open space
•
Creation of renewable energy ordinances
•
Promotion of locally grown foods at area farmers
markets
Geology
Climate
Hydrology
Floodplains
Air Quality
Steep Slopes
Soils
Wetlands
Woodlands
Wildlife
Natural Areas Inventory
Climate
Warm summers and mild winters characterize the climate of
Montgomery County. Daily temperatures reach 90°F or
above on an average of 24 days during the summer season,
and the county occasionally experiences uncomfortable
warm periods of light winds and high relative humidity
(U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).
During the winter months, there are normally about 116
days that have minimum temperatures at or below the
freezing point. Minimum temperatures of 0°F or lower
generally occur one or two times per year. The freeze-free
season averages 170 to 200 days (U.S. National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration). Precipitation is fairly evenly
distributed throughout the year; maximum amounts occur
during the late summer months. Annual precipitation
averages 43 inches, and mean seasonal snowfall is 28
inches, the lowest for the state. In 2011, over 63 inches of
precipitation fell on the county, establishing a new record.
Swimming in the Perkiomen Creek is one way to cool off in the hot summer.
Cold weather and snow can occur throughout the winter.
Montgomery County, PA
