Köppen Climate Classification - Dsa - Hot Summer Continental Climate – Dry Summer

Ruth Ann Reyes

Latitudes: Usually high 30s and low 40s latitudes.

 

Temperatures: High temps in the warmest month tend to be in the 80s or low 90s °F (high 20s or low 30s °C). Average coldest month temp near or well below freezing. Frost free periods normally last 4-7 months.

 

Precipitation: Precipitation varies. Summers are dry.

 

Relevant geography: Rare climate type only appearing at high elevations next to hot summer Mediterranean climates.

 

USDA equivalent zones: 5-7

 

Soil: Usually acidic. Suitable for agriculture.

 

Dominant plant life of the region: Forests thrive here - deciduous and evergreen. Grasslands. Fall foliage is noted during autumn.

 

Strengths/challenges for plant life: Soil and climate are suitable for a wide variety of plants. Summer dryness will put a greater demand on supplemental water sources. However, pressure from fungal attacks may be lower.

 

Garden plants that are a good fit for this region: Most conventional garden plants can be grown in this region. Some heat-loving plants, like tomatoes, may require heat-retaining strategies, like mulch.

 

Dominant animal life (or its features): This region supports a wide range of animal life. Some species may migrate or hibernate during the winter.

 

Challenges for animal raising: Environmental pressures as not extreme. Breeds with a moderate amount of heat and cold tolerance are well prepared.

 

Animals that are a good fit for this region: Most conventional farm animals are suitable for this region: Cows, goats, sheep, chickens, ducks, rabbits, etc.

 

Summary

Congratulations. You live in a climate that is very favorable to growing your own food. The hot summer continental climate can support a vide variety of popular garden plants and farm animals.

 

Your version of the hot summer continental climate is rare, existing only at higher elevations next to hot summer Mediterranean climates. It resides within USDA plant hardiness zones 5-7, and is the only version of this climate to exist in the southern hemisphere.

 

Summers in your climate are dry. The driest summer month has less than 1.18 inches (33 mm) of precipitation. The wettest winter month will have at least 3 times this amount.

 

Your summer highs will be in the 80s to low 90s °F (or the high 20s to low 30s °C), but cold waves are not unheard of. The average temperature in your coldest month may be near freezing, or well below freezing. You can usually count on between 4-7 frost-free months each year to grow your plants.

 

The dominant wild plant life consists of temperate woodlands (both deciduous and evergreen) and temperate grasslands. In wetter areas, you may find maple, spruce, pine, fir, and oaks. Fall colors may be quite pleasant.

 

Your soils tend to be acidic, but are suitable for growing a wide range of plants. Some heat-loving plants, like tomatoes, may require heat-retaining strategies, such as mulch. Cold sensitive perennials can either be grown as annuals or brought in for winter. Select long day or day neutral plants, where possible. Short day plants will likely not produce correctly in your region.

 

Supplemental watering needs will be higher than with other versions of the hot summer continental climate. However, the lower humidity will help to discourage fungal attacks.

 

But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Don’t forget that a climate favorable to garden plants is also favorable to garden pests. You’re climate is so hospitable that the slugs, beetles, and caterpillars will feel right at home moving in.

 

As with the plants, your climate will support basically all of the conventional farm animals. Go ahead and get some cows, goats, sheep, chickens, ducks, or rabbits. Just match the animal with your local topography. Ducks like ponds. Goats are good in rocky, hilly areas. Chickens will find ways to get eaten by every predator available.