Köppen Climate Classification - Dfb - Warm Summer Continental (Hemiboreal) Climate–No Dry Season

Ruth Ann Reyes

Latitudes: Mostly in the 40s and low 50s latitudes in North American and Asia. Extending to 65 degrees latitude in central and eastern Europe and Russia.

 

Temperatures: Moderate summers - high temps average between 70-82 °F (21-28 °C). Long winters with clear, cold weather - generally far below freezing. Frost-free periods typically last 3-5 months.

 

Precipitation: Less precipitation. No official dry season.

 

Relevant geography: Found immediately poleward of hot summer continental climates. Almost exclusively found in the Northern Hemisphere.

 

USDA equivalent zones: 3-7

 

Soil: May be high in organic matter. Soil quality may be degraded due to anthropogenic activities (logging, etc.) Unaffected soils may have high levels of humus and sequestered carbon.

 

Dominant plant life of the region: Forests thrive here. Temperate woodlands (deciduous and evergreen). Temperate grasslands.

 

Strengths/challenges for plant life: Colder weather can be challenging.

 

Garden plants that are a good fit for this region: Most traditional temperate climate garden plants can be grown here. Heat-loving plants may struggle. Greenhouses are useful.

 

Dominant animal life (or its features): Woodland animals

 

Challenges for animal raising: Animals must be adapted for long, cold winters.

 

Animals that are a good fit for this region: Chickens, goats, sheep, cattle, ducks, pigs, horses, rabbits.

 

Summary

Your climate doesn’t lend itself to growing oranges and mangos. But most other garden plants can be grown here. Some may need a little help. But first, let’s look at the characteristics of your region.

 

The hemiboreal climate can be found mostly between the 40s and low 50s of degrees latitude in North America and Asia. It can also stretch to higher latitudes in central and eastern Europe and Russia, up to 65°.

 

These latitudes are not extreme, though they do put you a good distance from the heat of the equator. Expect moderate summers with high temperature averages between 70-82 °F (21-28 °C). Heat spells may come, but rarely last more than a week. Winters are long and severe. Your climate spans USDA plant hardiness zones 3-7.

 

Precipitation in this zone is fairly low. You have no dry season, relative to the others.

 

Your climate zone is well-suited to forests. Both deciduous and evergreen woodlands thrive here, as well as grasslands. Fall foliage may be especially beautiful in some areas.

 

While the cold winters can be a challenge, your soils can be high in organic matter, mainly due to the activity of the forests. The quality of the soils may be degraded in areas of human activities, such as logging.

 

While the temperature tends toward the cooler side of the planet, the hemiboreal climate is still within the right zone for growing your own food. Most of the traditional temperate climate garden plants can be grown here. Naturally, with the cooler climate, cool weather crops are more successful. A greenhouse can be quite helpful for coaxing along hot-weather plants or for extending your growing season.

 

This climate region is also fit for all of the traditional farm animals. Ducks, chickens, pigs, rabbits, cows, horses, goats, sheep, and others can all thrive here.