Northern Peninsula: Galicia and the Cantabrian coast.
B) Precipitation
Abundant and regular (over 800mm).
Influenced by Polar Front storms.
Maximum rainfall in winter; minimum in summer due to the Azores High.
Soft, persistent rain.
C) Temperatures
Mild with low thermal amplitude.
Coastal areas: Sea influence leads to cool summers and mild winters.
Inland: Colder winter temperatures.
2. Mediterranean Climate
A) Location
Covers the wider area of the Peninsula, south of the oceanic zone, Balearic Islands, Ceuta, and Melilla.
B) Precipitation
Irregular with summer droughts caused by the Azores and North African anticyclones.
Maximum precipitation in autumn and spring.
Strong storms often result in severe soil erosion.
C) Temperatures
Vary significantly between coastal and interior regions.
D) Subtypes
1. Mediterranean Sea Climate
Location: Mediterranean coast (excluding the SE), south-Atlantic coast, Balearic Islands, Ceuta, and Melilla.
Precipitation: Scattered. Mediterranean coast experiences autumn storms and cold drops; south-Atlantic coast has higher rainfall due to Atlantic influence.
Temperatures: Warm summers and mild winters.
2. Continental Mediterranean Climate
Location: Peninsular interior (excluding the Ebro Valley). No maritime influence.
Precipitation: Less than 300mm. Maximum in autumn and spring. Higher rainfall in the West.
Temperatures: High thermal amplitude. Northern Submeseta, Guadalajara, Teruel, and Cuenca experience cool summers and cold winters. Southern Submeseta and Ebro Valley borders have hot summers and mild winters.
3. Dry Mediterranean and Steppe Climate
Location: Peninsular Southeast and the middle zone of the Ebro Valley.
Precipitation: Less than 300mm. Aridity in the SE is caused by the Betic System blocking Atlantic moisture. The middle Ebro Valley is sheltered by the Iberian and Catalan mountain ranges.
Temperatures: Warm steppe in coastal zones (average 17–18°C) with mild winters. Internal steppe areas have average temperatures below 17°C and cold winters.
3. High Mountain Climate
A) Location
Occurs at altitudes above 1,000 meters.
B) Precipitation
Exceeds 1,000mm.
C) Temperatures
Low annual average; cool summers and very cold winters with frequent snow. Found in the northern, central, and southern mountain ranges.
4. Climate of the Canary Islands
A) Influencing Factors
Situation: Located far south in the temperate zone, near the African coast.
Atmospheric Pressure: Dominated by high-pressure systems and northeast trade winds.
B) Climate Characteristics
Low rainfall in subtropical lowlands due to anticyclones.
Maximum rainfall in winter from Atlantic fronts.
High rainfall on mountain slopes (above 1,000m) exposed to trade winds.
Lowland areas remain warm year-round; temperatures decrease with altitude.
