mid-latitude steppe climate

The mid-latitude steppe climate, classified as BSk in the Köppen system, is characterized by significant temperature variability and limited precipitation. These climates are typically found deep within continental interiors, far from oceanic influences. Mountain barriers can further reduce moisture availability.1

This climate type is slightly wetter than the mid-latitude desert climate. In higher latitudes, winters are very cold with minimal precipitation, often as snow. Summers can bring scattered thunderstorms from irregular incursions of moist air. The steppe subtype is often found bordering more humid climates or at the cooler edges of the climate zone, where lower evaporation rates allow scarce precipitation to support plant growth. This climate is transitional to tropical and subtropical steppe climates, which are found on the periphery of true deserts in low-latitude semiarid regions.12