The climate of New Jersey is milder and less subject to extreme
fluctuation than that of the interior states in the same latitude,
because it extends along the ocean (Sec. 107). The average annual
temperature of New Jersey is 51.5°. The average annual temperature of
the extreme northern part is 5° lower than that of the extreme southern
end of the state. The lower temperature of the northern part of the
state is due to the higher latitude, its distance from the ocean, and
its greater altitude.
The prevailing winds are from the west and northwest. New Jersey is in
the track of storms, which cross the continent from the west. The south
and east winds blowing from the ocean toward the storm centers bring
with them much moisture and insure the state an ample rainfall. Local
showers or thunderstorms which move from the west or northwest are
frequent in the spring and summer months. In the summer time all along
the coast the benefit of sea breezes is felt (Sec. 372).
The rainfall is sufficient for all kinds of crops which can be grown in
the state. It is greatest in the northeastern part of the state, where
the annual precipitation is more than fifty inches; and least in the
southern and southwestern part along Delaware Bay, where it is about
forty-one inches.
[Illustration: Sandy Hook from the Highland Light]
[Illustration: Drainage basins in New Jersey]