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Continental climate facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
World Koppen Map
World Koppen Map

Continental climates are types of weather found far from oceans. This means they have big changes in temperature between summer and winter. Imagine a place where the winds blow mostly over land, not water. This makes the temperatures much more extreme.

These climates are often found in the middle parts of continents. You can see them in places like the eastern United States and mainland China. They also appear in higher, mountainous areas around the world.

Winters in these regions are usually very cold. It's often cold enough for snow to stay on the ground for a long time. Summers, however, can be quite warm. Rain or snow (called precipitation) usually happens moderately. Most of it falls during the summer months. Some places, like the upper east coast of North America, get rain evenly all year. These are known as humid continental climates. A few areas, like parts of the Pacific Northwest and countries in the Middle East and Central Asia, get most of their rain and snow in winter.

Seasons in Continental Climates

Harbin Bank 01
Headquarter of Harbin Bank in Harbin

The exact time when spring or autumn arrives can change. It depends on how far north or south a place is (its latitude). It also depends on how high up it is (its elevation). For example, spring might start in early March in the southern parts of these areas. But in the north, it might not arrive until May.

These areas usually get between 600 mm (24 inches) and 1200 mm (47 inches) of precipitation each year. A lot of this precipitation falls as snow during the winter. So, remember: cold winters and warm summers are key!

Understanding Köppen Climate Types

Kenya map of Köppen climate classification FR
Kenya map of Köppen climate classification

Scientists use the Köppen climate classification system to group climates. Most continental climates fit into specific Köppen types. These include Dfa and Dwa for places with cold winters and hot summers. The "w" means they have very dry winters, which is common in China.

Other types are Dfb and Dwb, which have cold winters but warm, not hot, summers. Again, "w" means dry winters. There are also dry summer continental climates, like Dsa and Dsb. These are found in high mountains near Mediterranean climates. Sometimes, a semi-arid climate (called BSk) can also be seen as continental if its winters are cold.

For a climate to be called continental, the average temperature of its coldest month must be below −3°C (27°F). Also, at least four months must have an average temperature of 10°C (50°F) or higher. Some scientists use 0°C (32°F) instead for the coldest month.

How Continental Climates Form

Odori Park Sapporo Snow Festival 2007
The snowy city of Sapporo

Continental climates happen when cold air masses move in during winter. In summer, warm air masses form because of strong sun and long days. Places with these climates are usually far from the ocean's moderating effects. Think of cities like Omaha, Nebraska in the USA or Kazan, Russia.

Sometimes, even if a place is near the coast, the winds blow from land to sea. This means the ocean's influence doesn't reach inland much. New York City is an example of this. These regions get very warm in summer, sometimes as warm as tropical places. But in winter, they become much colder than any other climate at the same latitude.

Nearby Climates

Continental climates gradually change into other climate types. Towards the equator, where winters are less harsh, they become subtropical climates. Where there isn't enough rain for tall grasslands, they turn into semiarid climates.

In Europe, these climates can shift into oceanic climates towards the west. Oceanic climates are more affected by the ocean's mild air. The subarctic climate (Köppen: Dfc) is very cold and dry in winter. But it has at least one month above 10°C (50°F). It can be thought of as a type of continental climate.

Places with a Continental Climate

North America

South America

Puentedelinca
Puente del Inca, Argentina in July

Europe

Andronikov Monastery 18
Spassky Cathedral in Moscow
Oslo Aker Brygge 2005 June 19
Aker Brygge in Oslo

Oceania

Charlotte Pass, winter view
Looking through Charlotte Pass towards the main range in winter
Cabramurra12
Cabramurra Community Hall in Winter

Africa

Jbel.Oukaimeden
View from Jbel Oukaïmeden in Morocco
  • Morocco: Oukaimeden, Khenifra, Imilchil, and Azilal.

Middle East

Palandoken Erzurum 2009
Palandöken in August 2009, as seen from downtown Erzurum

Asia

  • 2009-0605-Ilanaaq-2010Oly-Whistler

    A statue of Ilanaaq, mascot of the 2010 Olympics, located on Whistler Mountain

  • Edmonton River Valley

    North Saskatchewan River valley in Edmonton

  • Forks Riverwalk

    The Forks, with St. Boniface Cathedral in the background in Winnipeg

  • Skyline as viewed from Sam Smith

    Toronto skyline taken from Colonel Samuel Smith Park in Etobicoke.

  • Rainbow Bridge Rainbow

    Rainbow Bridge and the American Falls in Niagara Falls

  • Rideau Canal Winter

    Ice skaters on the frozen Rideau Canal, looking south from Laurier Avenue Bridge in Ottawa

  • Le Stade Olympique 3

    Olympic Stadium in Montreal

  • Québec City shore

    Québec City shore

  • Halifaxskyline

    Halifax as seen from the Dartmouth waterfront

  • StJohns Newfoundland

    Duckworth Street in St. Johns

  • Buildings along the sides of a river in a panorama view

    The Chicago River, with the Near North Side and Streeterville on the right, the Chicago Loop, Lakeshore East, and Illinois Center on the left, and Trump Tower at the jog in the river in the center. This view is looking west from Lake Shore Drive's Outer Drive Bridge.

  • 1 times square night 2013

    Times Square in Manhattan, New York City

  • Boone NC - aerial

    Boone as seen from Howard's Knob

  • Vermont fall foliage hogback mountain

    Mixed forest in Vermont during autumn

  • USA Massachusetts Boston Foliage

    Boston's skyline in the background, with fall foliage in the foreground

  • Flagstaffazm

    San Francisco Peaks from Flagstaff

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Clima continental para niños

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