Summer rainfall across the continent evaporates completely into the warm atmosphere, leaving winter precipitation to be the source of groundwater for Europe.

But at higher elevations, most of the glaciers have thickened, probably because of increased winter precipitation.

On the other hand, cold, dry air masses over the interior of the state tend to suppress winter precipitation.

Although winter precipitation results in much moisture at the start of the growing season, summer, particularly July and August, are drought prone.

First, there is a north-to-south trend of decreasing winter precipitation and warmer summer temperatures.

Winter also tends to be the driest season, but typically yields significant amounts of winter precipitation.

In the southern portion, winters are shorter,warmer and have less winter precipitation and snow.

Other forms of winter precipitation include ice, sleet, and freezing rain.

As temperatures rise, winter precipitation will include more rain and less snow.

As previously mentioned, winter precipitation occurs in the form of persistent morning drizzle events.