Tundra: cold with no true summer. The warmest month averages between freezing and 10° C (50° F); much of the year is below freezing. Annual precipitation totals not more than 150 cm (59"), but less than 50 cm (19") is typical. Permafrost (permanently frozen soil) exists some distance below the surface in most regions. Vegetation is overwhelmingly herbaceous plants with few or no trees, though evergreen forests (evergreen or deciduous) may edge parts of the climate region.
By Dave Bryant, copyright 2002