Humid Subtropical Climate Type
Where is it Usually Located?
The Humid Subtropical climate is found on the east coast of continents
between 20o and 40o north and south of the equator. The southeast United
States is a good example of this climate. Florida has a Humid Subtropical
climate.
It is noteworthy that the Mediterranean climate occupies the western sides
of the continents, whereas the humid subtropical climate is located on the
eastern sides.
Since in the Northern Hemisphere land masses are more extensive in the
middle latitudes than those in the Southern Hemisphere, this climate covers
much larger areas in the Northern Hemisphere.
The subtropical humid climate is developed in the following regions:
Southeastern United States of America, eastern Asia, particularly China,
south of the Hwang Ho River, eastern and central South America (in
Paraguay, Southern Brazil, Uruguay, and northeastern Argentina), east
coasts of South Africa and Australia.
Locations- United States
What Seasons Does it Have?
Temperatures usually stay high (above 70) throughout the year, but cool
down for a few months, so there are really only 2 seasons here: summer
and winter. However, the winter season is not a cold winter. Summer
season lasts longer, since Humid Subtropical areas are somewhat near the
equator.
What are the Temperatures Like?
Humid Subtropical climate is known for hot humid summers and mild
winters. During the summer the average temperature is between 70 and
80 degrees. The coldest month usually averages 45-50 degrees. Since
Humid Subtropical is found between 20o and 40o latitude, they receive
direct sunlight for a large part of the year.
How Much Precipitation Does it Receive?
Most Humid Subtropical areas receive about 48 inches of rain each year.
The rain falls throughout the year. The regularly high temperatures
evaporate water, which causes humidity and precipitation. The high
humidity in this region makes summer temperatures feel even hotter.
Humid Subtropical areas usually experience strong storms such as
tornadoes and hurricanes.
What Kinds of Vegetation (Plants) Does it Have?
The natural vegetation found in Humid Subtropical areas are mainly
evergreen trees, bushes, and shrubs. These are not the hardy evergreen
trees like pine and spruce. Most of these evergreens are more delicate.
The reason many plants here are evergreens is because of the long
months of warmth and regular rain. These plants have adapted to the
regular climate conditions. Many broad-leaf evergreens such as palm
trees and ferns are found here. Many plants can be farmed here since the
growing season is sometimes 8 months long.
What Kind of Animals Does it Usually Have?
Humid Subtropical supports many types of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.
Alligators, deer, and panthers can be found in the US. Brazil's subtropical area has
the capybara, which is the world’s largest rodent.
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INDUSTRIES
Industrial Crops
Tobacco and cotton grow well in the humid subtropical climate.
Deciduous and evergreen trees also grow quickly in the humid subtropics.
Both managed tree plantations and logging of wild forests are a major
economic activity in this climate zone. Pine tree products like pitch, tar and
turpentine are produced in these areas. Jute and sisal, raised for fiber, also
grow in humid subtropical environments. Biofuel crops like sugar cane and
subtropical jatropha are rising in importance in the humid subtropics.
Tourism
The humid subtropics can be a winter haven for those from cooler
climates, providing warm weather without the oppressive heat of the
tropics. In areas with a waterfront, mountains or scenery, the humid
subtropics are ripe for tourism since they are open for travel year round.
Examples of tourist destinations in humid subtropic regions include Florida
in the United States, Buenos Aires in Argentina and Rio de Janeiro in
Brazil.
Population Centers
From Agra in India to Shanghai in China to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil,
many of the largest cities in the world are based in humid subtropical
regions. According to the authors of "Demography: A Treatise in
Population," "in the early 1960s, Jozef Staszewski showed that the highest
demographic densities (on average, 60 persons per square kilometer) were
found in humid temperate climates and humid subtropical climates." Port
cities in this climate zone, like Venice and Buenos Aires, also benefit from
being ice-free year round. Other industries in these cities depend on
available natural resources, industrial development and infrastructures.