continental climate

Type of climate typical of a large, mid-latitude land mass. This type of climate is to be found in the centre of continents between approximately 40° and 60° north of the Equator. The two main areas are the North American prairies and the Russian steppes (both grasslands). Areas with a continental climate are a long way from the oceans, which affects their climate in two ways: they have very low annual rainfall because little atmospheric moisture is available; and their temperature range is very large over a year, because the temperature-moderating effect of the sea has been lost. Maximum mean monthly summer temperatures for continental climates are around 20°C/68°F. During the winter there are several months when the temperature remains below freezing point. Precipitation decreases rapidly towards the east in Russia as distance from the sea increases, whereas in North America totals are lowest to the west in the rain shadow (area sheltered from rain by hills) of the Rockies. In both areas, annual rainfall averages 500 mm/20 in, and there is a threat of drought. The ground is snow-covered for several months between October and April.