Global Climate - Moist Subtropical Mid-latitude Climates

General Characteristics - humid with mild winters (average temperature of the coldest month below 18°C (64°F) and above -3°C 27°F))

  • have distinct summers and winters
  • ample precipitation

Extent - on the eastern and western regions of most continents, from about 25°-40° latitude

Major types: -

  • humid subtropical (Cfa)
    • largely found along east coasts of continents... why?
    • hot, muggy summers.... regions are usually on western side of subtropical highs
    • mild winters, some snow, frost, ice, though heavy snows are rare
    • afternoon convection is common in summer, tropical storms also
    • example from mobile, Alabama
  • marine (Cfb)
    • extend to 40°-60° latitude on the western sides of continents
    • prevailing westerlies moderate the climate near the coast, compared to the same latitude further inland
    • relatively mild winters, cool summers - small annual temperature change
    • lots of low clouds, fog, drizzle, especially during fall, winter, and spring
    • little snow, except at higher altitudes in the mountains
    • example for Port Hardy, Vancouver, Island

Climate Map - West

Climate Map - East

Major types, continued: -

  • dry-summer subtropical (also referred to as Mediterranean) (Cs)
    • similar to marine (Cfb), but with a more pronounced dry season
    • found to the south of marine regions, where high pressure areas are more dominant (Oregon, California)
    • mild-hot, dry summer
    • mild, wet winters- subtropical high moves south allowing mid-latitude cyclones to affect the region
    • further subdivide Mediterranean into: