Identify the climate type based on the given below characteristics : 1. The annual precipitation is low and is around 15 cm. 2. The development of pronounced winter anticyclones and their weakening in summer sets in monsoon-like reversal of wind in this region. 3. Polewards, summer temperatures are low. Select the answer from the options given below :

The characteristics described perfectly match the 'Cold climate with dry winters' (Dwa/Dwb) found primarily in Northeastern Asia. According to the evidence, this climate is defined by the development of pronounced winter anticyclones and their subsequent weakening in summer, which creates a monsoon-like reversal of wind patterns [3]. The annual precipitation in this region is notably low, typically ranging between 12 and 15 cm, with most of it occurring during the summer months [1]. Furthermore, as one moves poleward, summer temperatures remain low, while winter temperatures are extremely cold, often staying below freezing for up to seven months [1]. In contrast, subtropical steppes (BSh) are characterized by higher variability and different temperature profiles [2], and humid subtropical climates (Cwa) generally receive much higher annual precipitation, ranging from 65 to 250 cm [2].

Sources

1. [1] FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 11: World Climate and Climate Change > Cold Climate with Dry Winters (Dw) > p. 94
2. [3] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 30: Climatic Regions > The Asiatic Region > p. 462
3. [2] FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 11: World Climate and Climate Change > Subtropical Steppe (BSh) and Subtropical Desert (BWh) Climates > p. 93