Air masses and the climate of the plains

In winter a high-pressure anticyclone forms over Eastern Siberia and Inner Asia; its western branch covers central and northern Kazakhstan and brings clear, severely cold weather. When arctic air enters, temperature falls to –10 to –20°C, and in the north-east to –35 to –45°C. The polar front lies over the south of the region, and cyclones entering from the south-west bring warm air and precipitation (rain, sometimes snow); in spring such cyclones also give much precipitation. In summer the plains heat up strongly and local Turan continental tropical air forms, with a July mean temperature of 30°C and higher. In summer air pressure falls and a thermal depression forms, dry winds blow from the north and west, and sandstorms become frequent. Incoming cool air quickly warms and gives no rain, and only lowers the temperature by a few degrees for a few days.