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{{Short description|Köppen climate category}}
A '''continental climate''' is the climate typical of the middle-latitude interiors of the large continents of the ] in the zone of westerly winds; similar climates exist along the east coasts and southwest coasts of the same continents, and also at higher elevations in certain other parts of the world. This climate is characterized by ] ]s cold enough to support a fixed period of stable ] cover each year, and relatively low ] occurring mostly in summer - although east coast areas (chiefly in ]) may show an even distribution of precipitation. Only a few areas in ], adjacent ] and ] show a winter maximum in precipitation, which typically melts in early spring to give short-lived ].
{{For|the influence of continental climates on viticulture|Climate categories in viticulture#Continental climates{{!}}continental climate (wine)}}
{{More citations needed|date=November 2007}}


]
These regions generally have either forest or tall-grass prairie as natural groundcover and include some of the most productive farmlands in the world. All such climates have at least three months of temperatures in excess of 10°C and winters with at least one month below 0°C (although some classifications have a lower threshold for winter based on snow cover, in the ] -3°C is used).


'''Continental climates''' often have a significant annual variation in temperature (warm to hot summers and cold winters). They tend to occur in central and eastern parts of the three northern-tier continents (], ], and ]), typically in the middle latitudes (40 to 55 or 60 degrees north), often within large landmasses, where ] blow overland bringing some precipitation, and temperatures are not moderated by oceans. Continental climates occur mostly in the Northern Hemisphere due to the large landmasses found there. Most of northeastern ], eastern and southeastern ], much of ] south of the ], central and southeastern ], and the central and northeastern ] have this type of climate.<ref name=cc>{{cite encyclopedia|title=Continental Climate |url=http://www.ace.mmu.ac.uk/eae/climate/Older/Continental_Climate.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090427192955/http://www.ace.mmu.ac.uk/eae/climate/older/Continental_Climate.html |archive-date=2009-04-27 |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia of the Atmospheric Environment |publisher=] |url-status=dead }}</ref> '''Continentality''' is a measure of the degree to which a region experiences this type of climate.<ref name=cc />
Most such areas fit ] of Dfa, Dwa (cold winters, long hot summers; "w" indicating very dry winters characteristic especially of China) or Dfb or Dwb (cold winters and long, mild summers, same distinction for winter dryness).


In continental climates, ] tends to be moderate in amount, concentrated mostly in the warmer months. Only a few areas—in the mountains of the ] of North America and in ], northern ], adjacent ], ], ], and ]—show a winter maximum in precipitation. A portion of the annual precipitation falls as snowfall, and snow often remains on the ground for more than a month. Summers in continental climates can feature thunderstorms and frequent hot temperatures; however, summer weather is somewhat more stable than winter weather. Continental climates are considered as ] varieties due to their location in the temperate zones,<ref>{{cite book |last1=Senker |first1=Cath |title=Temperate Climates |date=3 May 2018 |publisher=Raintree Publishers |isbn=9781474738408 |page=5 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jjRKDwAAQBAJ&q=continental+climates+temperate |access-date=23 June 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/weatherandclimatechange/climate/worldclimates/temperate.asp |title=Weather & Climate Change: Climates around the world |publisher=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414115206/http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/weatherandclimatechange/climate/worldclimates/temperate.asp |archive-date=14 April 2016}}</ref> but are classified separately from other temperate climates in the ] system where they are identified by their first letter, a capital '''D'''. In the ], they are identified as '''Dc'''.
Continental climates exist where cold air masses infiltrate during the winter and warm air masses form in summer under conditions of high sun and long days. Places with continental climates are as a rule either far from any moderating effects of oceans (example: ], USA) or are so situated (example: ], USA) that prevailing winds tend to head offshore. Such regions get quite warm in the summer, achieving temperatures characteristic of tropical climates but are much colder than any other climates of similar latitude in the winter.


==Köppen climate classification==
These climates grade off toward ]s equatorward where winters are less severe, ] climate poleward where summers are shorter and winters are more severe, ]s where precipitation becomes inadequate for tall-grass prairies. In Europe these climates may grade off into ]s in which the influence of moderating air masses is more marked toward the west.
Continental climate has at least one month averaging below {{convert|0|°C|°F|0}} and at least one month averaging above {{convert|10|°C|°F|0}}.<ref name=Peel>{{cite journal |author1=Peel, M. C. |author2=Finlayson B. L. |author3=McMahon, T. A. |name-list-style=amp |year=2007 |title=Updated world map of the Köppen–Geiger climate classification |journal=Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci. |volume=11 |issue=5 |pages=1633–1644 |doi=10.5194/Hess-11-1633-2007 |issn=1027-5606|url=https://www.hydrol-earth-syst-sci.net/11/1633/2007/hess-11-1633-2007.pdf |bibcode=2007HESS...11.1633P |doi-access=free }}</ref><ref name="kottek2006">{{cite journal|last1=Kottek|first1=Markus|last2=Grieser|first2=Jürgen|last3=Beck|first3=Christoph|last4=Rudolf|first4=Bruno |last5=Rubel|first5=Franz|title=World Map of the Köppen-Geiger climate classification updated|journal=Meteorologische Zeitschrift|date=2006|volume=15|issue=3|pages=259–263|doi=10.1127/0941-2948/2006/0130|bibcode=2006MetZe..15..259K|url=https://opus.bibliothek.uni-augsburg.de/opus4/files/40083/metz_Vol_15_No_3_p259-263_World_Map_of_the_Koppen_Geiger_climate_classification_updated_55034.pdf}}</ref>
]
* ''Dfa'' = Hot-summer ]; coldest month averaging below {{convert|0|°C|°F|0}} (or {{convert|-3|°C|°F|0}}), at least one month's average temperature above {{convert|22|°C|°F|1}}, and at least four months averaging above {{convert|10|°C|°F|0}}. No significant precipitation difference between seasons (neither the abovementioned set of conditions fulfilled).
* ''Dfb'' = Warm-summer ]; coldest month averaging below {{convert|0|°C|°F|0}} (or {{convert|-3|°C|°F|0}}), all months with average temperatures below {{convert|22|°C|°F|1}}, and at least four months averaging above {{convert|10|°C|°F|0}}. No significant precipitation difference between seasons (neither the abovementioned set of conditions fulfilled).
* ''Dfc'' = ]; coldest month averaging below {{convert|0|°C|°F|0}} (or {{convert|-3|°C|°F|0}}) and one–three months averaging above {{convert|10|°C|°F|0}}. No significant precipitation difference between seasons (neither the abovementioned set of conditions fulfilled).
* ''Dfd'' = Extremely cold subarctic climate; coldest month averaging below {{convert|−38|°C|°F|1}} and one–three months averaging above {{convert|10|°C|°F|0}}. No significant precipitation difference between seasons (neither the abovementioned set of conditions fulfilled).
]
* ''Dwa'' = Monsoon-influenced hot-summer humid continental climate; coldest month averaging below {{convert|0|°C|°F|0}} (or {{convert|-3|°C|°F|0}}), at least one month's average temperature above {{convert|22|°C|°F|1}}, and at least four months averaging above {{convert|10|°C|°F|0}}. At least ten times as much rain in the wettest month of summer as in the driest month of winter.
* ''Dwb'' = Monsoon-influenced warm-summer humid continental climate; coldest month averaging below {{convert|0|°C|°F|0}} (or {{convert|-3|°C|°F|0}}), all months with average temperatures below {{convert|22|°C|°F|1}}, and at least four months averaging above {{convert|10|°C|°F|0}}. At least ten times as much rain in the wettest month of summer as in the driest month of winter.
* ''Dwc'' = Monsoon-influenced ]; coldest month averaging below {{convert|0|°C|°F|0}} (or {{convert|-3|°C|°F|0}}) and one–three months averaging above {{convert|10|°C|°F|0}}. At least ten times as much rain in the wettest month of summer as in the driest month of winter.
* ''Dwd'' = Monsoon-influenced extremely cold ]; coldest month averaging below {{convert|−38|°C|°F|1}} and one–three months averaging above {{convert|10|°C|°F|0}}. At least ten times as much rain in the wettest month of summer as in the driest month of winter.
]
* ''Dsa'' = ]-influenced hot-summer humid continental climate; coldest month averaging below {{convert|0|°C|°F|0}} (or {{convert|-3|°C|°F|0}}), average temperature of the warmest month above {{convert|22|°C|°F|1}} and at least four months averaging above {{convert|10|°C|°F|0}}. At least three times as much precipitation in the wettest month of winter as in the driest month of summer, and the driest month of summer receives less than {{convert|30|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}.
* ''Dsb'' = Mediterranean-influenced warm-summer humid continental climate; coldest month averaging below {{convert|0|°C|°F|0}} (or {{convert|-3|°C|°F|0}}), average temperature of the warmest month below {{convert|22|°C|°F|1}} and at least four months averaging above {{convert|10|°C|°F|0}}. At least three times as much precipitation in the wettest month of winter as in the driest month of summer, and the driest month of summer receives less than {{convert|30|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}.
* ''Dsc'' = Mediterranean-influenced subarctic climate; coldest month averaging below {{convert|0|°C|°F|0}} (or {{convert|-3|°C|°F|0}}) and one–three months averaging above {{convert|10|°C|°F|0}}. At least three times as much precipitation in the wettest month of winter as in the driest month of summer, and the driest month of summer receives less than {{convert|30|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}.
* ''Dsd'' = Mediterranean-influenced extremely cold subarctic climate; coldest month averaging below {{convert|−38|°C|°F|1}} and one–three months averaging above {{convert|10|°C|°F|0}}. At least three times as much precipitation in the wettest month of winter as in the driest month of summer, and the driest month of summer receives less than {{convert|30|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}.


==Seasons==
The ], parts of ], and most of ] are examples of areas of the world with continental climates, which do not exist at all in the Southern Hemisphere due to the lack of broad land masses at middle latitudes, the southernmost parts of Africa and Australia being under marine influences and southern South America being too narrow in breadth to allow air masses as cold as those in corresponding latitudes in North America and Asia to form in the winter. Antarctica, of course, lies completely outside the middle latitudes.
Annual precipitation in this zone is usually between {{convert|600|mm|in}} and {{convert|1200|mm|in}}, The timing of intermediate spring-like or autumn-like temperatures in this zone vary depending on latitude and/or elevation. For example, spring may arrive as soon as March (in ], September in ]) in the southern (in Northern hemisphere, northern in Southern hemisphere), parts of this zone or as late as May (November) in the north (south). Summers are warm or hot while winters are below freezing and sustain lots of frost.

==Climatology==
Continental climates exist where cold air masses infiltrate during the winter from shorter days and warm air masses form in summer under conditions of high sun and longer days. Places with continental climates are as a rule either far from any moderating effect of oceans or are so situated that prevailing winds tend to head offshore.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-05-21 |title=What Is a Continental Climate? |url=https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-is-the-continental-climate.html |access-date=2022-04-04 |website=WorldAtlas |language=en-US}}</ref> Such regions get quite warm in the summer, achieving temperatures characteristic of tropical climates but are colder than any other climates of similar latitude in the winter.

==Neighboring climates==
In the Köppen climate system, these climates grade off toward ]s equator-ward where winters are less severe and ]s or ]s where precipitation becomes inadequate for tall-grass ]s and shrublands. In Europe these climates may grade off into ]s ('''Cfb''') or ]s ('''Cfc''') in which the influence of cool oceanic air masses is more marked toward the west. In western and eastern Asia, and the central United States these climates grade off toward ]s ('''Cfa/Cwa'''), ]s ('''Cwb'''), or ]s ('''Csa/Csb''') to the south.

==List of locations with a continental climate==
<sup>{{note|1|1}}The climate is continental if the 0&nbsp;°C coldest-month isotherm is used, but it is temperate if the -3&nbsp;°C isotherm is used.</sup>

===]===
====]====
*]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfb'')

===]===
====]====
], Japan]]
*]: ] (''Dsb''), ]{{ref|1|1}} (''Dsa'' bordering ''Csa''), ] (''Dsa'' bordering ''BSk''), ] (''Dsb''), ] (''Dsa'')
*]: ], ] (''Dsb'' bordering ''Dfb''), ], ], ], ] (bordering ''BSk'')
*]: ]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfa''), ]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfa'')
*]: ], ]{{ref|1|1}}, ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cwa''), ]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cwa''), ], ], ], ], ]{{ref|1|1}}, ], ], ], ], ], ], ] (bordering ''BSk''), ]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cwa''), ], ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]
*]: ]{{ref|1|1}}
*]: ]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfb''), ] (''Dsb'' bordering ''Dfb'')
*]: ] (''Dsb''), ]{{ref|1|1}} (''Dsa'' bordering ''BSk''), ]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''BSk''), ]{{ref|1|1}} (''Dsa'' bordering ''BSk''), ]{{ref|1|1}} (''Dsa''), ]{{ref|1|1}} (''Dsa''), ]{{ref|1|1}} (''Dsa'' bordering ''BSk''), ]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''BSk'')
*]: ]{{ref|1|1}}, ], ]{{ref|1|1}}, ], ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfa''), ]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfa''), ], ], ]{{ref|1|1}} , ]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfa''), ]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfa''), ]{{ref|1|1}}
*]: ], ], ]{{ref|1|1}} (''Dsa'' bordering ''BSk''), ], ], ], ], ], ]{{ref|1|1}} (''Dsa''), ] (''Dsa'' bordering ''BSk'')
*]: ]{{ref|1|1}} (''Dsa''), ]{{ref|1|1}} (''Dsa''), ], ]{{ref|1|1}} (''Dsa'')
*]: ] (bordering ''Dwc''), ], ], ]
*]: ], ]{{ref|1|1}}, ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ]{{ref|1|1}}
*]: ] (bordering ''BSk''), ], ], ], ], ] (bordering ''Dwc''), ], ], ], ], ], ], ] (bordering ''Dfc''), ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ]
*]: ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}, ], ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}, ], ]{{ref|1|1}}, ], ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}, ], ]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfa''), ]
*]: ]{{ref|1|1}} (disputed with Georgia)
*]: ]{{ref|1|1}} (''Dsa''), ]{{ref|1|1}} (''Dsa''), ]{{ref|1|1}} (''Dsa''), ] (''Dsb'')
*]: ] (''Dsb''), ], ] (''Dsa''), ]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''BSk/Cfa''), ]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfa/Cfb''), ], ] (''Dsa''), ], ]{{ref|1|1}} (''Dsa''), ] (''Dsa''), ] (''Dsb''), ]{{ref|1|1}} (''Dsa'')
*]: ]{{ref|1|1}} (''Dsa'' bordering ''Csa'')

====]====
] valley, France]]
]
]

*]: ]{{ref|1|1}}
*]: ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Dfc'')
*]: ]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfb'') , ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}} , ], ]{{ref|1|1}}
*]: ], ]{{ref|1|1}}, ], ], ], ], ]
*]: ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}
*]: ]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfa''), ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfa''), ]{{ref|1|1}} (''Dsb''), ]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfb''), ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}
*]: ]{{ref|1|1}}
*]: ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}} , ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfb''), ]{{ref|1|1}}
*]: ]{{ref|1|1}}, ], ]{{ref|1|1}}, ], ]
*]: ]{{ref|1|1}}, ], ], ], ] (bordering ''Dfc''), ] (bordering ''Dfc''), ], ], ] (bordering ''Dfc''), ]
*]: ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Dfc'')
*]: ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfb''), ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfb''), ]{{ref|1|1}} , ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}
*]: ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}
*]: ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfa/Cfb''), ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfa/Cfb''), ]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfb''), ]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfa'')
*]: ]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfb''), ], ], ]{{ref|1|1}} , ]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfb''), ]
*]: ] (bordering ''BSk'')
*]: ]{{ref|1|1}} (disputed with Serbia)
*]: ], ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}
*]: ]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfb'')
*]: ], ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]
*]: ], ], ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}
*]: ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}
*]: ]{{ref|1|1}} , ]{{ref|1|1}}
*]: ]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Dfc''), ], ], ] (bordering ''Dfc''), ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}
*]: ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfb''), ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfb''), ]{{ref|1|1}}, ], ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfb'')
*]: ], ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}, ], ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}
*]: ], ], ], ]{{ref|1|1}}, ], ]{{ref|1|1}}, ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] (bordering ''Dfc''), ], ], ], ], ], ], ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}, ], ], ], ], ]{{ref|1|1}}, ], ] (bordering ''BSk''), ], ]
*]: ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}
*]: ], ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}} , ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}
*]: ]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfb''), ]{{ref|1|1}}
*]: ]{{ref|1|1}} (''Dsb'' bordering ''Csb'')
*]: ], ], ], ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfb''), ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}, ], ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfb'')
*]: ], ] (bordering ''Dfc''), ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}}
*]: ]{{ref|1|1}} (disputed with Moldova)
*]: ], ], ] (]), ]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfa''), ], ]{{ref|1|1}}, ], ], ], ] (occupied by Russia), ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}} (occupied by Russia), ]{{ref|1|1}}, ]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''BSk/Cfa''), ], ]{{ref|1|1}}, ], ], ]

===]===

====]====
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
*]
*], MB
*] (higher areas are ''Dwc'')
*], BC{{ref|1|1}} (''Dsb'' bordering ''Dfb'')
*]
*]
*]
*]
*], AB (bordering ''Dfc'')
*] (bordering ''Dfc'')
*]
*]
*], BC{{ref|1|1}}
*]
*]
*], ON
*], QC
*], NL{{ref|1|1}}
*]
*]
*]
*]
*], QC
*]
*], BC{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''BSk'')
*]
*]
*]
*]
*] (bordering ''BSk'')
*], QC
*]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfb'')
*]
*], QC
*], QC
*]
*] (bordering ''BSk'')
*]{{ref|1|1}}
*]
*]
*]
*], ON
*]
*], QC
*]
*]
*]{{ref|1|1}}
{{div col end}}
<gallery class="center">
File:Edmonton River Valley.jpg|alt=Edmonton River Valley|North Saskatchewan River valley in Edmonton
File:Forks Riverwalk.jpg|], with ] in the background in Winnipeg
File:Skyline as viewed from Sam Smith.jpg|Toronto skyline taken from Colonel Samuel Smith Park in ]
File:Downtown view from SAIT.JPG|Downtown Calgary from ] (SAIT) campus
File:Le Stade Olympique 3.jpg|Olympic Stadium in Montreal
File:Québec City shore.JPG|Quebec City shore
</gallery>

====]====
=====]=====
]]]
]
*]
*]{{ref|1|1}}
*]
*]{{ref|1|1}}
*]
*]
*]{{ref|1|1}}
*]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfa'')
*]{{ref|1|1}}
*]
*]
*]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfa'')
*]{{ref|1|1}} (] is ''Cfa'')
*]{{ref|1|1}}
*]{{ref|1|1}}
*]{{ref|1|1}}
*]
*]{{ref|1|1}}
*]{{ref|1|1}}
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]{{ref|1|1}}
*]
*]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfa'')
*]
*]{{ref|1|1}}
*]
*]
*]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfa'')
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
*] (bordering ''BSk'')
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]{{ref|1|1}}
*]{{ref|1|1}}
*]
*]{{ref|1|1}}
*]{{ref|1|1}}
*]{{ref|1|1}}
*]{{ref|1|1}}

=====]=====
]
]
] from ]]]
*]
*]{{ref|1|1}}
*]{{ref|1|1}}
*]
*]
*]
*]{{ref|1|1}}
*]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfa'')
*]
*]
*]{{ref|1|1}} (Outer Cape and ] are ''Cfb'')
*]
*]{{ref|1|1}}
*]{{ref|1|1}} (] and riverfront (including ]) are ''Cfa'')
*]{{ref|1|1}}
*]
*]
*]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfa'')
*]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfa'')
*]{{ref|1|1}}
*]
*]
*]
*]{{ref|1|1}}
*]{{ref|1|1}}
*]
*]{{ref|1|1}}
*]{{ref|1|1}}
*]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfa'')
*]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfa/Cfb'')
*]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfa'')
*]{{ref|1|1}}
*]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfa'')
*]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfa'')
*]
*]
*]{{ref|1|1}}
*]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfa'')
*]{{ref|1|1}}
*]{{ref|1|1}}
*]{{ref|1|1}} (north side facing ] is ''Cfa'')
*]
*]{{ref|1|1}}
*]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfa'')
*]{{ref|1|1}}
*]
*]{{ref|1|1}}
*]
*]
*]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfa'')
*]{{ref|1|1}}
*]{{ref|1|1}}
*]
*]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfa'')

=====]=====
] in ], NC/TN]]
*]{{ref|1|1}}
*]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfb'')
*]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfa'')
*]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfa'')
*]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfa'')
*]{{ref|1|1}}
*], DE{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfa'')
*]{{ref|1|1}}
*]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfa'')
*]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfa'')
*]{{ref|1|1}}
*], NC/TN
*], NC
*]{{ref|1|1}}
*]{{ref|1|1}}
*]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfa'')
*]{{ref|1|1}}
*]{{ref|1|1}}
*]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfa'')

=====]=====
]
]
]
]]]
*]{{ref|1|1}} (''Dsb'' bordering ''BSk/Csb'')
*]
*]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''BSk'')
*]
*] (''Dsa'')
*]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''BSk'')
*]{{ref|1|1}} (''Dsb'' bordering ''Csb'')
*] (bordering ''Dfc'')
*]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''BSk'')
*]{{ref|1|1}} (''Dsb'' bordering ''Csb/Csc/Dsc'')
*] (bordering ''BSk'')
*] (bordering ''Dfc'')
*]
*]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Dfc'')
*]
*]{{ref|1|1}} (''Dsb'')
*]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''Cfb/Cfc/Dfc'')
*]{{ref|1|1}} (''Dsb'' bordering ''Csb'')
*] (''Dsa'')
*]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''BSk'')
*]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''BSk'')
*]{{ref|1|1}} (''Dsb'')
*]
*]{{ref|1|1}} (''Dsb'')
*] (bordering ''BSk'')
*] (bordering ''Dfc'')
*]{{ref|1|1}} (''Dsa'')
*]{{ref|1|1}} (''Dsb'' bordering ''Dsa'')
*]
*]{{ref|1|1}}
*]
*]{{ref|1|1}} (''Dsa'' bordering ''BSk/Csa'')
*]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''BSk'')
*] (''Dsb'' bordering ''Dsc'')
*]{{ref|1|1}} (''Dsb'' bordering ''Csb'')
*]{{ref|1|1}} (''Dsb'' bordering ''Csa/Csb/Dsa'')
*]
*]{{ref|1|1}} (''Dsb'')
*] (bordering ''BSk'')
*]
*]{{ref|1|1}} (bordering ''BSk'')
*] (''Dsb'')

===]===

====]====
]
*]{{ref|1|1}}, Victoria (bordering ''Dfc'')
*]{{ref|1|1}}, New South Wales (bordering ''Cfb'')
*]{{ref|1|1}}, Victoria (bordering ''Cfb/Cfc/Dfc'')
*]{{ref|1|1}}, New South Wales (bordering ''Cfb/Cfc/Dfc'')

===]===

====]====
]
*]{{ref|1|1}}, ] (''Dsb'' bordering ''BSk/Csb/Csc/Dsc'')
*]{{ref|1|1}}, ] (''Dsb'')
*]{{ref|1|1}}, ] (''Dsb'' bordering ''Csb'')


==See also== ==See also==
*] * ]
*] * ]
*] * ]
*] * ]

*]
==References==
*].
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}


{{Koppen}}
]
{{Authority control}}


]
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Latest revision as of 21:41, 24 December 2024

Köppen climate category For the influence of continental climates on viticulture, see continental climate (wine).
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Areas of the world that feature a continental climate, according to Köppen

Continental climates often have a significant annual variation in temperature (warm to hot summers and cold winters). They tend to occur in central and eastern parts of the three northern-tier continents (North America, Europe, and Asia), typically in the middle latitudes (40 to 55 or 60 degrees north), often within large landmasses, where prevailing winds blow overland bringing some precipitation, and temperatures are not moderated by oceans. Continental climates occur mostly in the Northern Hemisphere due to the large landmasses found there. Most of northeastern China, eastern and southeastern Europe, much of Russia south of the Arctic Circle, central and southeastern Canada, and the central and northeastern United States have this type of climate. Continentality is a measure of the degree to which a region experiences this type of climate.

In continental climates, precipitation tends to be moderate in amount, concentrated mostly in the warmer months. Only a few areas—in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest of North America and in Iran, northern Iraq, adjacent Turkey, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Central Asia—show a winter maximum in precipitation. A portion of the annual precipitation falls as snowfall, and snow often remains on the ground for more than a month. Summers in continental climates can feature thunderstorms and frequent hot temperatures; however, summer weather is somewhat more stable than winter weather. Continental climates are considered as temperate climate varieties due to their location in the temperate zones, but are classified separately from other temperate climates in the Köppen climate classification system where they are identified by their first letter, a capital D. In the Trewartha climate classification, they are identified as Dc.

Köppen climate classification

Continental climate has at least one month averaging below 0 °C (32 °F) and at least one month averaging above 10 °C (50 °F).

Regions where the continental climates (Dfa, Dfb, Dfc, Dfd) are found.
  • Dfa = Hot-summer humid continental climate; coldest month averaging below 0 °C (32 °F) (or −3 °C (27 °F)), at least one month's average temperature above 22 °C (71.6 °F), and at least four months averaging above 10 °C (50 °F). No significant precipitation difference between seasons (neither the abovementioned set of conditions fulfilled).
  • Dfb = Warm-summer humid continental climate; coldest month averaging below 0 °C (32 °F) (or −3 °C (27 °F)), all months with average temperatures below 22 °C (71.6 °F), and at least four months averaging above 10 °C (50 °F). No significant precipitation difference between seasons (neither the abovementioned set of conditions fulfilled).
  • Dfc = Subarctic climate; coldest month averaging below 0 °C (32 °F) (or −3 °C (27 °F)) and one–three months averaging above 10 °C (50 °F). No significant precipitation difference between seasons (neither the abovementioned set of conditions fulfilled).
  • Dfd = Extremely cold subarctic climate; coldest month averaging below −38 °C (−36.4 °F) and one–three months averaging above 10 °C (50 °F). No significant precipitation difference between seasons (neither the abovementioned set of conditions fulfilled).
Regions where the Monsoon-influenced continental climates (Dwa, Dwb, Dwc, Dwd) are found.
  • Dwa = Monsoon-influenced hot-summer humid continental climate; coldest month averaging below 0 °C (32 °F) (or −3 °C (27 °F)), at least one month's average temperature above 22 °C (71.6 °F), and at least four months averaging above 10 °C (50 °F). At least ten times as much rain in the wettest month of summer as in the driest month of winter.
  • Dwb = Monsoon-influenced warm-summer humid continental climate; coldest month averaging below 0 °C (32 °F) (or −3 °C (27 °F)), all months with average temperatures below 22 °C (71.6 °F), and at least four months averaging above 10 °C (50 °F). At least ten times as much rain in the wettest month of summer as in the driest month of winter.
  • Dwc = Monsoon-influenced subarctic climate; coldest month averaging below 0 °C (32 °F) (or −3 °C (27 °F)) and one–three months averaging above 10 °C (50 °F). At least ten times as much rain in the wettest month of summer as in the driest month of winter.
  • Dwd = Monsoon-influenced extremely cold subarctic climate; coldest month averaging below −38 °C (−36.4 °F) and one–three months averaging above 10 °C (50 °F). At least ten times as much rain in the wettest month of summer as in the driest month of winter.
Regions where the Mediterranean-influenced continental climates (Dsa, Dsb, Dsc, Dsd) are found.
  • Dsa = Mediterranean-influenced hot-summer humid continental climate; coldest month averaging below 0 °C (32 °F) (or −3 °C (27 °F)), average temperature of the warmest month above 22 °C (71.6 °F) and at least four months averaging above 10 °C (50 °F). At least three times as much precipitation in the wettest month of winter as in the driest month of summer, and the driest month of summer receives less than 30 mm (1.2 in).
  • Dsb = Mediterranean-influenced warm-summer humid continental climate; coldest month averaging below 0 °C (32 °F) (or −3 °C (27 °F)), average temperature of the warmest month below 22 °C (71.6 °F) and at least four months averaging above 10 °C (50 °F). At least three times as much precipitation in the wettest month of winter as in the driest month of summer, and the driest month of summer receives less than 30 mm (1.2 in).
  • Dsc = Mediterranean-influenced subarctic climate; coldest month averaging below 0 °C (32 °F) (or −3 °C (27 °F)) and one–three months averaging above 10 °C (50 °F). At least three times as much precipitation in the wettest month of winter as in the driest month of summer, and the driest month of summer receives less than 30 mm (1.2 in).
  • Dsd = Mediterranean-influenced extremely cold subarctic climate; coldest month averaging below −38 °C (−36.4 °F) and one–three months averaging above 10 °C (50 °F). At least three times as much precipitation in the wettest month of winter as in the driest month of summer, and the driest month of summer receives less than 30 mm (1.2 in).

Seasons

Annual precipitation in this zone is usually between 600 millimetres (24 in) and 1,200 millimetres (47 in), The timing of intermediate spring-like or autumn-like temperatures in this zone vary depending on latitude and/or elevation. For example, spring may arrive as soon as March (in Northern hemisphere, September in Southern hemisphere) in the southern (in Northern hemisphere, northern in Southern hemisphere), parts of this zone or as late as May (November) in the north (south). Summers are warm or hot while winters are below freezing and sustain lots of frost.

Climatology

Continental climates exist where cold air masses infiltrate during the winter from shorter days and warm air masses form in summer under conditions of high sun and longer days. Places with continental climates are as a rule either far from any moderating effect of oceans or are so situated that prevailing winds tend to head offshore. Such regions get quite warm in the summer, achieving temperatures characteristic of tropical climates but are colder than any other climates of similar latitude in the winter.

Neighboring climates

In the Köppen climate system, these climates grade off toward temperate climates equator-ward where winters are less severe and semi-arid climates or arid climates where precipitation becomes inadequate for tall-grass prairies and shrublands. In Europe these climates may grade off into oceanic climates (Cfb) or subpolar oceanic climates (Cfc) in which the influence of cool oceanic air masses is more marked toward the west. In western and eastern Asia, and the central United States these climates grade off toward humid subtropical climates (Cfa/Cwa), subtropical highland climates (Cwb), or Mediterranean climates (Csa/Csb) to the south.

List of locations with a continental climate

Africa

Morocco

Eurasia

Asia

The snowy city of Sapporo, Japan

Europe

Chamonix valley, France
Aker Brygge in Oslo
Spassky Cathedral in Moscow

North America

Canada

United States

Midwest
Chicago's Near North Side
St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Northeast
Boston's skyline in the background, with fall foliage in the foreground
Buffalo after December 2019 snowstorm
Downtown Pittsburgh from Station Square
South
A sunny day with snow on the ground at the observatory on Kuwohi in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NC/TN
West
Downtown Aspen, Colorado
Government Camp, Oregon
Nenana, Alaska
Winthrop, Washington

Oceania

Australia

Kiandra police station

South America

Argentina

Puente del Inca in July

See also

References

  1. ^ "Continental Climate". Encyclopedia of the Atmospheric Environment. Manchester Metropolitan University. Archived from the original on 2009-04-27.
  2. Senker, Cath (3 May 2018). Temperate Climates. Raintree Publishers. p. 5. ISBN 9781474738408. Retrieved 23 June 2023.
  3. "Weather & Climate Change: Climates around the world". Education Scotland. Archived from the original on 14 April 2016.
  4. Peel, M. C.; Finlayson B. L. & McMahon, T. A. (2007). "Updated world map of the Köppen–Geiger climate classification" (PDF). Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci. 11 (5): 1633–1644. Bibcode:2007HESS...11.1633P. doi:10.5194/Hess-11-1633-2007. ISSN 1027-5606.
  5. Kottek, Markus; Grieser, Jürgen; Beck, Christoph; Rudolf, Bruno; Rubel, Franz (2006). "World Map of the Köppen-Geiger climate classification updated" (PDF). Meteorologische Zeitschrift. 15 (3): 259–263. Bibcode:2006MetZe..15..259K. doi:10.1127/0941-2948/2006/0130.
  6. "What Is a Continental Climate?". WorldAtlas. 2019-05-21. Retrieved 2022-04-04.

External links

Climate types under the Köppen climate classification
Class A
Class B
Class C
Class D
Class E
Categories: