Charlottesville, Virginia has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. The city is situated in the Piedmont region and is home to the Rivanna River watershed, which provides drinking water to over 200,000 people. The river is also popular for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Outdoor recreation opportunities in Charlottesville include hiking in the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains, visiting the Shenandoah National Park, and biking on the Charlottesville Albemarle County trails. The region experiences occasional flooding due to heavy rainfall in the area. In recent years, the city has taken steps to address climate change by implementing renewable energy initiatives and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.