Why do some parts of Afghanistan have extremely hot summers while mountain areas have severe winters?

Afghanistan’s climate is characterized by a semiarid steppe pattern, but its extreme temperature variations are primarily driven by significant differences in elevation and the influence of distinct air masses.1

The country’s rugged topography, dominated by the Hindu Kush and other mountain ranges, creates diverse microclimates. In the high mountain regions, the climate is subarctic, leading to severe, snowy winters as cold air masses from the north move into the highlands. Conversely, lower-lying areas, such as the southwestern plateau, experience intense heat during the summer months, with daytime highs often exceeding 95 °F (35 °C).231

Regional weather is further shaped by:
* Air Masses: Winter and early spring are influenced by cold northern air and Atlantic low-pressure systems, which bring snow to the highlands and rain to lower elevations.1
* Monsoons: Mountainous areas near the border with Pakistan are periodically influenced by Indian monsoons, which bring humidity and rain between July and September.1
* Topographic Barriers: Mountain ranges effectively block moisture-laden winds from the Indian Ocean, contributing to the overall dryness of the climate.3