Albany is located in the humid continental climate zone (K�ppen climate classification: Dfb), and has cold, snowy winters, and hot, wet summers; the city experiences four distinct seasons. Albany is located in plant hardiness zone 5a near downtown and 5b at its western end. Albany receives 38.6 inches (98 cm) of rain per year, with 137 days of at least 0.01 inches (0.025 cm) of precipitation each year. Snowfall is significant, totaling 62.7 inches (159 cm) annually, but with less accumulation than the lake-effect areas to the north and west, as it is further from Lake Ontario. Albany is close enough to the Atlantic coast to receive heavy snow from Nor'easters and the city occasionally receives Alberta clippers. Winters can be very cold with fluctuating conditions; temperatures often drop below 0 �F (?18 �C) at night. Summers in Albany can contain stretches of excessive heat and humidity, with temperatures above 90 �F (32 �C). Record temperature extremes range from ?28 �F (?33 �C) on January 19, 1971, to greater than 100 �F (38 �C) on September 3, 1953
