Although slightly more temperate than the UK’s coastal area, Birmingham’s climate is typical of that usually associated with England. Rainfall can temper weather patterns at any given time of the year, but remains heavier during the winter season. The city’s maximum average temperatures are usually recorded in July (about 20°C or 68°F) and its lowest in January (about 4.5°C or 40°F). As a direct result of the city’s inland location, snow fall is frequent in Birmingham’s city centre, although during recent years its appearances have become sparse. Occasionally Birmingham experiences tornadoes, the most recent being in July 2005.