Yearly temperature range is greater in high latitude and continental locations and less at equatorial and coastal locations. The world patterns of isotherms are largely explained by latitude, coastal-interior contrasts and elevation. Large landmasses in the subarctic and arctic develop centers of extremely low temperatures in winter. Temperatures in equatorial regions change little from January to July. Isotherms make a large north-south shift from January to July over continents in the midlatitude and subarctic zones.
Highlands are colder than surrounding lowlands.
Areas of perpetual ice and snow are intensely cold. The greatest ranges are in the subarctic and arctic zones of Asia and North America. Annual range is moderately large on land in the tropical zone. Annual range in coastal areas is less than the range inland at the same latitude. Small temperature ranges are found near oceans in the tropical zone.