Temperate deserts of continental regions have low rainfall and strong temperature contrasts between summer and winter.
Aridity increases markedly in the rain shadow of the Pacific mountain ranges.
Under the Koppen-Trewartha system, this is true desert, BWk. These deserts differ from those at lower latitudes chiefly in their far greater annual temperature range and much lower winter temperatures. Unlike the dry climates of the tropics, dry climates in the middle latitudes receive part of their precipitation as snow. Temperate desert climates support the sparse xerophytic shrub vegetation typical of semidesert. One example is the sagebrush vegetation of the Great Basin and northern Colorado Plateau.