How are cold mid-latitude deserts different from hot mid-latitude deserts in North America?

In North America, deserts are categorized into cold and hot mid-latitude regions based on differences in climate, vegetation, and temperature regimes.1

Cold Mid-Latitude Deserts

The Great Basin Desert is the primary example of a cold mid-latitude desert. These regions experience harsh, extreme temperature fluctuations, including severely cold winters where snowfall is common—often ranging from 12 to 24 inches annually. The growing season is relatively short, typically lasting between 90 and 140 days. Vegetation in these areas is dominated by hardy, drought-tolerant species such as sagebrush and scattered short grasses.1234

Hot Mid-Latitude Deserts

Hot mid-latitude deserts, which include the Mojave, Sonoran, and Chihuahuan deserts, are characterized by significantly higher average annual temperatures. For instance, the Sonoran Desert experiences much warmer conditions, with snowfall being rare or limited to a mere trace. These regions support distinct vegetation, such as creosote bush, mesquite, yucca, and various cacti like the saguaro. Their growing seasons are much longer, exceeding 300 days in some coastal areas.214