Climate types in the northwest region

The climate types in the northwest region are complex and diverse, including temperate continental arid climate, plateau subarctic climate, mid-temperate semi-humid climate, alpine cold temperate climate and desert climate.

1. Temperate continental arid climate

Distributed in most areas of Shaanxi, Gansu and Ningxia. Areas with this climate type have very little rainfall and the precipitation is unevenly distributed, mostly concentrated in summer and autumn, while winter and spring are very dry. The temperature difference between day and night is very large. The temperature is very high during the day and very low at night. Winds are stronger and there are fewer fog and haze days. Temperatures fluctuate greatly, with hot summers and very cold winters. The vegetation coverage in the area is low.

2. Plateau sub-arctic climate

Distributed in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and Altun Mountains. Areas with this climate type have little precipitation, with summer as the main precipitation period. There is a large temperature difference between day and night, with the temperature being higher during the day and lower at night. Winters are long, summers are short, and the annual average temperature is usually below 0°C. Vegetation growth conditions are poor and vegetation coverage is low. Especially in spring and autumn, the wind is strong.

3. Mid-temperate semi-humid climate

Distributed in southern Shaanxi, southeastern Gansu and eastern Qinghai. Spring and autumn are warm and pleasant, summers are hot and rainy, and winters are cold and dry. Precipitation is relatively evenly distributed, mostly concentrated in summer and autumn. Winters are cold in the north, and summers are hot in the south. Fog and haze often occur in winter. The vegetation is relatively rich.

4. Alpine cold temperate climate

Distributed in the Tianshan Mountains and Kunlun Mountains. Areas with this climate type have extremely low temperatures. There is a large temperature difference between day and night, with the temperature being higher during the day and very cold at night. The area receives a lot of precipitation, but evaporates quickly. Vegetation growth conditions are poor and vegetation coverage is low. The area is windy. The area has long sunshine hours.

5. Desert climate

Distributed in the Xinjiang Basin and western Inner Mongolia. Annual precipitation is low. The temperature changes greatly, with a large temperature difference between day and night. The temperature is high during the day and low at night. There is little precipitation and lack of vegetation cover. The sky is very clear and transparent.