When someone asks: “Compare the climate of the Alaska and Labrador peninsulas,” the first thing that comes to mind is to look at the climatic zones. After all, both Labrador and Alaska belong to the subarctic zone. However, Labrador is credited with a temperate maritime climate, although quite severe.
Do not judge the climate by comparing exclusively the latitudes at which the regions are located. For example, the climate of Labrador is much more severe than the weather at the same latitudes in Europe and Asia. Speaking about the climate, it should be borne in mind that there is the influence of cold seas, especially the northern course off the coast of Labrador.
The south of both peninsulas has a warmer summer by local standards. But even in August, frosts are not excluded. The beginning of summer is considered to be from the month of June, and the winter - from September.
The current off the coast of Labrador carries floating ice. Especially their number is impressive from late May to early June. Lakes and rivers are covered with ice in September and lasts almost until June. For much of the year, airborne arctic masses dominate the peninsula.
Such a different climate in Alaska
In Alaska, the weather varies greatly from one region to another.
For comparison, the southern coast is characterized by high humidity, cool summers and mild winters. But the climate of Alaska closer to the north is already definitely subarctic and even arctic. In summer, the temperature can increase to +30 degrees Celsius, in winter it can drop to -52 ° C. Summer is very dry, winter is snowy.
It is the north of Alaska that attracts tourists with its arctic climate. Here it is possible to observe the famous northern lights.
average temperature
The average temperature in winter on the Labrador Peninsula reaches -18 degrees, in the summer it rarely exceeds + 15-18 ° .
Alaska is characterized by much more severe figures. Depending on the region, the temperature in winter can drop to -20-25 degrees Celsius, and in summer it rarely reaches +15 ° C on a window thermometer.
But do not forget that the average temperatures on the peninsula may not reflect the real situation in extreme regions, where the maximum and minimum temperatures can reach 30 degrees and fall below -50.
Annual precipitation
The typical average annual rainfall for Labrador is minimal in the north - from 250 mm per year and can reach 1,200 mm in the south of the peninsula. The mildest climate on the Labrador Peninsula is observed in the southeast, where almost half the population of this Canadian province lives. The capital is also located there.
At the same time, the average annual rainfall for Alaska can range from 1,600 to 5,000 mm. A significant range can be explained by the fact that in the mountains the humidity is much higher than the flat part. Rainfall is sharply declining in the south. Well, to the north, the level of precipitation becomes even less: already up to 300 mm in the continental zone, and up to 150 mm in the Arctic.
Winds on the Alaska and Labrador Peninsulas
When you compare the climate of the Alaska and Labrador peninsulas as a whole, it's time to pay attention to the prevailing winds.
The strength of the winds also varies from season to season and depends on the terrain. But the direction of the winds on the peninsulas of Alaska and Labrador is quite similar. In winter, northeastern (arctic) winds predominate, while in summer, westerly winds of moderate latitudes prevail.
After you compare the climate of the Alaska and Labrador peninsulas, think about how severe it is. That is why the population density there is very low in comparison with other states of the USA and the provinces of Canada, despite the many state motivational programs to settle these places.
It is worth noting that the fresh air, colorful landscapes and climate features of these states, of course, cause delight. Visiting in these lands is always interesting. Having visited them, you yourself compare the climate of the Alaska and Labrador peninsulas.