*3.2.6.2 Summer dry and winter rainfall with relative humidity of 50–55% (sx)*

The region consists of Skardu, Ladakh, in occupied Kashmir and the adjoining areas of China (Tibetan Plateau). The annual total precipitation varies from 5 to 10 inches, particularly in the form of snow and ice in winter season. However, the summers are not dry, and the region receives more than 1 cm or 0.18 inches rainfall in April and May from local thunderstorms. The annual evapotranspiration is 4.4 mm or 0.18 inches, with annual sunshine of 6.8 h/day, while the average day relative humidity is between 50 and 55%. The mean temperature varies from 10–15°C, with 20–25°C maxima and 0°C minima. The mean daily range of temperature is between 15 and 20°C, with 15–20°C daily maximum and 5–10°C daily minimum temperature. The highest maximum temperature of the region is 41°C, recorded in August, and the lowest minimum is −20 to −25°C, recorded in January. The mean temperature in January as well as December reaches below the freezing point. Solar energy is needed for the plant protection particularly in winter season. The number of rainy days of the region is 21.5 per year, with wind speed of 1.1 knots.

The area is characterized by barren mountains and glaciers. The soils are poor at higher mountain slopes and are fertile near foothills. The agriculture is practiced only on terraces in well-watered areas. The mountains are, in general, barren due to glaciations; however, some deciduous forests have grown at the foothills and riverbanks.
