Easton

Climate

Easton has a highly variable four-season temperate climate.

Summertime highs average in the low 80's, but with occasional short heat waves with temps over 95F, with considerable humidity and occasionally intense thunderstorms.

Winters are somewhat cold with average highs in the mid to upper 30's, but with occasional short thaws when temperatures can suddenly rise over 65F for a few days. Severe cold snaps are common, with highs dropping into the twenties. Heavy snowfalls rarely occur more than once or twice each winter, but a wintry mix of ice, sleet, and light snow is possible from mid-November through early April. The combination of above freezing daytime temps and below freezing nights makes black ice a constant wintertime driving hazard even when there has not been precipitation recently.

Late spring and early summer from mid-April to late June, and autumn are the most pleasant times of the year, with very mild temperatures and generally low humidity. Autumn leaf season usually arrives in the last two weeks of October.

Understand

In 1736, Thomas Penn William Penn's son surveyed the area and Easton was officially born in 1752. Prior to that, Easton had been known as "Lechawitauk", meaning "The Place at the Forks." On July 8, 1776 the Declaration of Independence was read in Easton's Centre Square, one of three public readings of the document. Every year, Easton celebrates this historic event with its Heritage Day celebration, held in July.

Easton became a primary commercial location during the canals and railroads era of the 1800's. The Delaware, Morris and Lehigh canals were vital for transportation of goods. The railroads replaced the canals for transportation and five railroads served Easton. The city had a strong German heritage. During Prohibition, it was known for nightlife and had plenty of liquor and a large number of brothels. (http://www.citytowninfo.c...)

The population in Easton continues to diversify. Between the 1990 and 2000 censuses, the Hispanic and Black populations increased siginificantly. However, the primiary ethnicity in the city remains White/non-Hispanic.

Geography

Easton is located at the confluence of the Delaware and Lehigh rivers; Native Americans originally called Easton "Lechawitauk" which means "The Place at the Forks".