7.5.4: Humid Subtropical Climate

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Geographic Distribution

Landscape in Cf climate in Kentucky, United States, courtesy Arnaud Temme — Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): Landscape in humid subtropical Cf climate in Kentucky, United States. Courtesy Arnaud Temme

The humid subtropical climate, class Cf, is found on the east coast of continents between 20^o and 40^o N and S latitude. The humid subtropical climate can be found in the southeastern United States, southeastern South America; coastal southeast South Africa; eastern Australia; eastern Asia from northern India through south China to Japan.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Temperature

The humid subtropical climate is noted for its warm summer months, and relatively mild winters. Summer temperatures average between 21^o (69.8^oF) to 26^oC (78.8^oF) and no winter month has an average temperature below 0^oC (32^oF). Many days the temperature can hit 32^oC (90^oF) or higher. Moving poleward through the various climates of the earth, one notices the distinct development of a seasonal cycle of temperature, especially toward the poleward limits of the climate. The high humidity experienced in the humid subtropical climate makes warm days feel oppressive. The daily temperature range tends to be very small as the evening does not cool down much during the summer. Winter temperatures will dip into the single digits with the relatively frequent invasions of cP air masses, especially on the poleward side of the climate.

Precipitation

The humid subtropical climate gets its name from the high humidity experienced in this environment. Dominance of the warm and moist maritime tropical air creates summers similar to the humid tropics. Precipitation is generally evenly distributed throughout the year. Annual precipitation varies from 254 cm (100 in) near the coast to 63.5 cm (25 in) inland. Frost is generally only a problem in winter when very cold cP air masses penetrate this region, a real hazard for fruit and vegetable growers in the southeastern United States. A monsoon influence is experienced in Asia.