Houston experiences a humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa), shaped by its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and low elevation, resulting in hot, humid summers and mild winters. The warmest month is August, with average highs around 95°F (35°C), while January is the coolest, averaging 63°F (17°C); the city's all-time record high at George Bush Intercontinental Airport is 109°F (43°C), reached on four occasions, including August 27, 2023. Instead of four distinct temperature seasons, Houston has a wet season (April/May to September/October) and a dry season (November/December to March/April), which can be delayed or extended by El Niño or La Niña events. Summer heat is intensified by high relative humidity, making the heat index feel much hotter, and while autumn brings the threat of hurricanes, most years see little activity—though remnants of Hurricane Patricia dumped over 9 inches of rain on the city in October 2015. Interestingly, the widespread adoption of air conditioning after World War II fueled Houston's growth, earning it the nickname "the most air-conditioned city in the world" in 1950.