Editing Sampson County, North Carolina (section)

== Climate ==
Sampson County is located in the [[humid subtropical climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]] ''Cfa'') zone, with mostly moderate temperatures year round. Winters are mild across Sampson, with the warmest winter temperatures found in the southern portion of the county due to the influence of the nearby [[Atlantic Ocean]]. The average high temperature in January is around 55 °F (13 °C). Summers are hot and humid, with the hottest summer temperatures found in the northern areas of Sampson County. The average high temperature in July is around 90 °F (32 °C).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sampson County, NC Climate |url=https://www.bestplaces.net/climate/county/north_carolina/sampson |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=BestPlaces}}</ref>

During [[Weather front|frontal passages]], temperatures can vary widely across Sampson County due to its large size, spanning nearly 70 miles from north to south. Occasionally, temperatures can be in the 40s °F in northern areas of the county, as southern areas of Sampson remain in the 60s °F before the front completes its passage.

The [[United States Department of Agriculture|USDA]] [[Hardiness zone|hardiness zones]] for Sampson County are Zone 8A (10 °F to 15 °F or -12 °C to -9 °C) and Zone 8B (15 °F to 20 °F or -9 °C to -6 °C).<ref>{{Cite web |title=2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map {{!}} USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map |url=https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/ |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=planthardiness.ars.usda.gov}}</ref>

=== Extreme temperatures ===
Although uncommon, extreme temperatures can occur in Sampson County.

* In December 1989, Clinton recorded a new record low temperature of -2 °F (-19 °C).<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=North Carolina United States Record High and Low Temperature (Fahrenheit) Map and List - Updated January 2025 |url=https://www.plantmaps.com/en/us/climate/extremes/f/north-carolina-record-high-low-temperatures |access-date=2025-01-19 |website=Plantmaps.com |language=en}}</ref>

* In August 1983, Clinton recorded a new record high temperature of 103 °F (39 °C).<ref name=":0" />

=== Frost ===
Frost does occur in Sampson County. Most of the county experiences 50–75 days of frost conditions annually. However, far southern areas of Sampson experience only 40–50 days of frost conditions annually, due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.<ref>{{Cite web |last=plantmaps.com |title=Average Frost Days for North Carolina - Updated January 2025 |url=https://www.plantmaps.com/en/us/fd/state/north-carolina/average-days-with-frost-map |access-date=2025-01-19 |website=plantmaps.com}}</ref>

=== Snow ===
Like much of [[eastern North Carolina]], snow is rare in Sampson County. On average, light snowfall occurs once or twice every 10 years.