The Mississippi River basin is a large and diverse region, so it's not accurate to say it's simply "hot" or "cold." The climate varies greatly depending on the location within the basin.

Here's a breakdown:

* Southern portions: These areas experience hot, humid summers and mild to warm winters, with temperatures often reaching above 90°F in the summer.

* Northern portions: These areas experience cold winters with snow and warm, humid summers, with temperatures ranging from mild to hot depending on the specific location.

* Western portions: These areas are generally drier and can experience hot summers and cold winters, with occasional blizzards.

* Eastern portions: These areas are typically more humid with hot summers and cooler winters compared to the western portions.

Overall, the Mississippi River basin experiences a range of temperatures throughout the year, with hot summers and varying degrees of cold winters, depending on the specific location within the basin.