The Coldest Place in Massachusetts
The small town of Worthington, located in the Berkshires in the western part of Massachusetts, is the coldest place in the state. December is the coldest month, with a daily average low of 21 degrees Fahrenheit, with temperatures dropping to 16 degrees Fahrenheit in January and 18 degrees Fahrenheit in February. During the winter months, Worthington residents bundle up and enjoy outdoor activities such as sledding and skiing. Because Worthington has an average of 77 inches of snow per year, living and having fun in the powder is an important part of life here! Interestingly, the summers are fairly warm. Worthington averages a daily high in June of 76 degrees Fahrenheit, 82 degrees Fahrenheit in July, and 80 degrees Fahrenheit in August; quite a big swing between the two seasons! Worthington is home to a few notable industries, including the manufacturing of maple syrup. There are three sugar houses open nearly year-round, which give locals and visitors the opportunity to learn about and experience the process of transforming sap into syrup. Throughout the winter, visitors can tour the sugar houses and sample maple syrup, as well as purchase locally made products.
The Coldest Temperature Ever Recorded in Massachusetts
There have been two readings on the coldest temperature ever recorded in the state, with both having their own sources as evidence. The lowest official temperature ever recorded in Massachusetts was -35 degrees Fahrenheit at Chester on January 12, 1981. This was confirmed by two other readings at two other locations. Chester also recorded -40°F on January 22, 1984. This was verified in the book “New England Weather and Climate,” which is generally regarded as an authoritative source. Whether it’s -35 or -40, the point is that it was really cold! The town of Chester may hold the title for the coldest city in the state periodically, but Worthington generally has the coldest average temperatures when broken down by month.
How Much Snow Does Massachusetts Get?
Massachusetts is one of the snowiest states in the entire US! With 51.05 average inches of snow per year, the Bay State sits at number eight on the overall list:
Vermont – 89.25 inchesMaine – 77.28 inchesNew Hampshire – 71.44 inchesColorado – 67.3 inchesAlaska – 64.3 inchesMichigan – 60.66 inchesNew York – 55.32 inchesMassachusetts – 51.05 inchesWyoming – 51 inchesWisconsin – 45.79 inches
The Cold-Hardy Wildlife of Massachusetts
Massachusetts is home to a variety of animals that are adapted to living in cold temperatures. Let’s look at some of the most well-known cold-tolerant animals and plants native to the state. One animal that is ideally adapted to living in cold temperatures is the moose. These majestic animals are known for their large size, long legs, and distinctive set of antlers. They have thick, insulating fur coats that help them stay warm in the winter, and can be found throughout the state, particularly in the northern and central parts. Another animal that is well-suited to freezing temperatures is the black bear. These omnivorous animals are common in the western and central parts of the state and have thick fur coats that help them to stay warm in the winter. When fall comes around, they prepare for the winter by eating as much food as they can. When temperatures drop, they enter into a state of hibernation until spring. In addition to cold-tolerant animals, Massachusetts is also home to a variety of cold-tolerant plants. One such plant is the white pine. This evergreen tree is native to the state and is well-adapted to living in cold temperatures. It has a tall, slender stature and long, needle-like leaves that help it to retain moisture and stay hydrated in the winter. The white pine is also an important source of food for a variety of animals, including deer and birds.
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