What types of climate are found in Kyrgyzstan?
The Climate of Mountainous Kyrgyzstan
The climatic conditions of the country are determined by the peculiarities of its geographical location and relief. In the Kyrgyz Tian Shan, as a high mountain system, almost all types of climate marked on the globe are found, except for tropical and equatorial. Located in the subtropical latitude zone within a vast continent, the territory of the republic is far from the paths of moist air masses.
The local climatic conditions of the country are greatly influenced by the mountain ranges that protect it from the north, east, and south, shielding it from the direct penetration of cold air masses coming from the north and northeast, as well as the nearby deserts of Kara-Kum and Kyzyl-Kum. The inland and southern position of the republic results in low cloudiness, a long duration of sunshine (2537-2880 hours per year), high intensity of solar radiation, increased air ionization, and a prolonged frost-free period (up to 188 days a year).
The mountainous nature of the territory determines the presence of three climatic zones: low mountain, middle mountain, and high mountain. In the altitude zone of 500-1000 m above sea level, facing north and west, the climate is semi-desert.
Summer here is hot and dry, with an average temperature in July of +25°C, and precipitation amounts to only 150-350 mm per year. In winter, there are significant temperature differences between the peripheral and intermountain valleys. In the peripheral areas, winter is relatively short and mild, especially in the Fergana Valley.
Severe winters are observed in the syrts and in the high mountain valleys of Ak-Sai, Arpa, Alai, and others. At elevations above 1200 m above sea level, the climate is moderately warm, with warm summers and cool winters. Precipitation amounts to 400-600 mm per year, mainly in spring. In the altitude range of 2000-3000 m, the climate is moderate, with cool summers and quite cold and prolonged winters. The annual precipitation, especially on the western slopes, exceeds 600 mm per year.
In the high mountain zone - 3000 m above sea level and higher - the climate is harsh, with an average temperature in July below +10°C, and precipitation fluctuates between 700-800 mm per year (Nature of Kyrgyzstan, 1962; Ryazantsev, Pavlenko, 1960).
The distribution of precipitation throughout the year is uneven. The largest amounts occur during the autumn-winter and spring periods. When air masses invade the territory of the republic, they cool and condense moisture upon encountering high mountain formations. The windward slopes - western and southwestern - are more humid than the eastern ones. Depending on the altitude above sea level and the orientation of the mountain slopes, the amount of annual precipitation varies significantly. At elevations of 600-1000 m above sea level, it reaches 300-350 mm per year. In the 2000-3000 m zone, it is 600-800 mm per year. Significant differences are observed on the slopes of the Fergana Range and in the eastern part of the Issyk-Kul region. For example, on the western shore of the lake, precipitation totals 115 mm per year, while on the eastern shore, it is 569 mm. Despite the presence of extensive areas with minimal atmospheric precipitation and snowless winters, the landscapes are characterized by good moisture during the plant growing season (Rakitnikov, 1960). The mountainous nature of the terrain, significant altitude above sea level, and strong dissection of the relief predetermine the exceptional diversity of the natural environment and, accordingly, the variety of natural landscapes.
