Temperate climate

Temperate climate lies between the latitudes of 40 and 60/70 degrees. It is characterized as having a moderate amount of precipitation and an absence of extreme temperatures. Temperate climates are cooler than the subtropical climates and warmer than the polar climates. Most of the world’s population lives in temperate climates.

In a temperate climate, the change from summer to winter and then back again is not intense. The seasons gradually change, with pleasant temperatures occurring between summer and winter.

One subtype of temperate climates is maritime, or oceanic. Areas near the coasts in temperate climates are influenced by the ocean, which barely changes its temperature when the seasons change.

Another subtype of temperate climates is the continental climate. Continental climates are away from the shores, so they are affected more strongly by the temperatures of the land than those of the ocean. Continental climates have warmer summers and colder winters than maritime climates.

Background

There are three main types of climates across the globe. Arctic zones are near the North and South Poles. Tropical (or torrid) zones exist in areas around the equator. Temperate zones, where most of the world’s populations are concentrated, are found in-between the other two zones.

Climate refers to an area’s typical weather patterns over an extensive period of time. It comprises the area’s rain, sunshine, winds, storms, and other meteorological conditions. Climates are more or less stable, and climate change only takes place over many years.

Climates are affected by a number of factors, including proximity to the ocean or to lakes, elevation, latitude, ocean currents, prevailing winds, topography, and vegetation. Changes in the global climate system can also modify the local climate.

The degree of distance from the sea influences the climate of an area. Places along the coast are cooler and wetter than places on the inland because the sea cools the air above and around it. Inland areas do not benefit from the sea air because the moisture in the air evaporates before it can arrive at the center of a land mass.

Ocean currents also affect climate, in that they transfer heat from one area of the ocean to another, and then the land around the ocean is affected by the temperature of the ocean. Similarly, winds affect the climate by carrying the temperature of the water to different areas on land.

Topography, or variations in elevation, can create different climates in various areas. For example, places high above sea level are always colder, because the thin air at high altitudes is less able to absorb and retain heat.

Another key factor in climate is a location’s distance from the equator. The poles, which are far from the equator, receive warmth from the sun at low angles. Furthermore, the sun has to pass through a thick layer of atmosphere to reach the poles. Therefore, the climate at the poles is cooler than the climate at the equator, where the sun shines directly.

People’s activities have also been shown to affect the climate. Cutting down trees, which convert carbon dioxide into oxygen, increases the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Manufacturing and transportation also increase the quantity of carbon dioxide in the air. Carbon dioxide and other gases released by industry create climate change in the form of global warming, by blocking heat from escaping the earth and traveling toward space. These "greenhouse gases" in the atmosphere trap heat as it tries to leave the earth, forcing the climate’s temperature to rise.

Overview

Temperate climates are not extreme in terms of temperature and precipitation. The change from summer to winter and back again is also moderate. Temperate climates lie between the equator and the North and South poles, where temperatures tend to be acutely hot or cold.

Maritime and continental are the two types of temperate climates. Maritime climates are located near the oceans, which maintain a somewhat steady temperature. In a temperate climate, prevailing winds from the oceans are mainly westerly winds, so the West coasts of continents are most likely to have maritime climates. For example, the United Kingdom in Europe and California in North America have climates that are affected by the ocean, so their temperatures do not range drastically throughout the year.

In a continental climate, ocean effects are minimized, especially when mountain ranges block the air blowing from the sea. For example, the Rocky Mountains in the United States prevent ocean air from reaching the Plains States. Continental climates are instead affected by the temperature of the land, which receives and loses heat according to the sun’s radiation. Areas with continental climates are prone to long, hot, humid summers and severe winters with protracted periods of snow lying on the ground. The variations between summer and winter areas can actually be extreme in continental temperate climates.

Warm Temperate Climate

One subtype of temperate climate is the warm temperate climate. That climate is found in locations between 25 and 40 degrees latitude, both north and south of the equator. Also known as the Mediterranean climate, a warm temperate climate is attractive to many people. Warm locales such as Spain, Portugal, California, Chile, Cape Town, Perth, and Southern Japan all boast warm temperate climates.

In locations with this climate, the average temperatures of the warmest months are above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average temperatures of the coldest months range from 46 degrees to 26 degrees Fahrenheit.

Maritime warm temperate climates receive more rain in the winter than continental warm temperate climates. On average, warm temperate climates receive a moderate amount of rainfall, between 12 and 36 inches per year.

Cool Temperate Climate

Another subtype of temperate climate is the cool temperate climate, which is also known as the humid continental climate. Locations with this climate are found in areas between 40 degrees and 70 degrees latitude, north of the equator. Canada, large swathes of the United States, Russia, Norway, Finland, and Northern Japan all have cool temperate climates.

In a cool temperate climate, the average temperature of the warmest month is below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The average temperature during the coldest month is below 26 degrees Fahrenheit.

The annual precipitation of this climate is moderate, with areas further from the sea experiencing less rain than coastal areas. The total annual rainfall is between 22 and 30 inches.

Within this climate subtype, there are two further subtypes: warm summer subtype and cool summer subtype. In North America, the warm summer subtype is found in the Midwestern and Eastern portion of the United States. The warm summer subtype is marked by hot, humid summers and sporadic winter cold waves. Most of its rain falls during the summer, when air masses above it are warmer and moister.

The cool summer subtype is found in New England, the upper Midwest, and throughout a large part of the Great Lakes region. Most of Scandinavia and Russia also experience the cool summer subtype climate. In this climate, most of the precipitation falls in the summer, but the cold temperatures and lower humidity generate less rainfall than in the warm summer subtype.

In this subtype, temperatures are cool all year round. The average temperature of the warmest month is below 71 degrees Fahrenheit. In the winter, the average temperature during many months is below the freezing point.

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