Temperate Climate
The term “temperate” suggests that the weather conditions within this climate type are moderate in all ways. However, mean annual temperatures can vary significantly from region to region, and maximum high and low fluctuations in daily thermometer readings differ within each individual area.
Daytime high temperatures in summer months can register close to 100 degrees F (38 C). This might well be accompanied by a relative humidity factor of nearly 100%. Such uncomfortable conditions are seldom found in tropical rainforest climates of the world’s jungles.
By contrast, winter temperatures are capable of dipping far below O degree F. Although relative humidity is much lower during the winter months, many areas that are defined as temperate zones receive heavy snowfalls. Average annual precipitation, both rain and snow, is approximately 20-40 inches (50-100cm) in temperate climates.
A temperate climate prevails throughout the northeastern United States as far south as the border of Virginia and North Carolina. This temperate zone stretches west to approximately 100 W longitude. Much of Europe is also in a temperate climate, and many relatively smaller areas of this climate type are scattered throughout the world.
Considering the harsh extremes in temperature that must be endured by the indigenous reptiles, it seems reasonable that the number of lizard species is limited in these climatic regions, but certain skinks (Scincidae), lacertids (Lacertidae), and swifts (Iguanidae) are capable of thriving in such environments. These mainly terrestrial lizards must burrow into the earth of otherwise secure a location for hibernation when the cold winter months arrive. Overexposure to extreme heat is also life-threatening to these lizards.
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