Climate

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The climate in Russia is largely continental due to its massive size, and the fact that most of the land is more than 400km. from any sea.  The mountain ranges, mostly in the south and east, block moderating temperatures from the Indian and Pacific Oceans.  European Russia and northern Siberia have no such protection from the Arctic and North Atlantic oceans.  Because over half of Russia lies north of 60 degrees latitude, much of the country experiences at least six months of snow cover.  This snow often lies on top of subsoil that is permanently frozen.  The average yearly temperature of almost all of  Russia is below freezing.  Siberia has the longest and coldest winters, but the short, wet summers can be pleasant.  Southern European Russia has a shorter winter, and the steppes, in the southeast, have hot, dry summers and very cold winters. In general Russia sees only low to moderate precipitation, due to the fact that most of the country is not under the influence of the oceans. 

Russia really only has two seasons, summer and winter, with the length and severity of each depending on how far north or how high of an altitude you are at.  There are some exceptions in this climate though, including the moderate maritime climate of Kaliningrad Oblast on the Baltic Sea.  This region can be mild and wet, and is similar to that of the American Northwest.  In Far East Russia , the influence of the Pacific Ocean creates a monsoonal climate, with sharply differentiating temperatures.  Furthermore, the narrow subtropical region along the Black sea is Russia 's most popular summer resort area. 

Russia 's climate has a large impact on the way that people live and the way different areas of the economy operate.  Long, cold winters increase the demands for energy, health care, and textiles.  Severe winters along with drastically fluctuating winter and summer temperatures requires that infrastructure and transportation systems must be able to hold up in very cold and warm temperatures.  Additionally, the short growing seasons affect the type of foods traditional to Russian culture. 

If you would like to check the current weather forecast in any cities of Russia , go to the weather link at http://weather.yahoo.com/regional/RSXX.html