Climate
The province is noted for its quite extreme weather, ranging from tropical in the east (and almost sub-humid in some particular east-facing slopes) to absolutely desert-like in the west. Temperatures vary widely with altitude, but the low-lying areas are noted for the extreme summer heat: average high temperatures go from 33ºC to 35ºC (91F to 95F) and can sometimes be above 45ºC (113F), albeit with significant cooling at night and low humidity. Almost all the scarce precipitation falls as intense, sporadic thunderstorms in this season.
Fall is short and pleasant, while winters are extremely dry. Daytime temperatures vary, but they usually stay in the 18ºC (64F) to 22ºC (72F) range, while nights are quite cold at 0ºC (32F) to 7ºC (45F). Days over 30ºC (86F) or nights below -6ºC (21F) cannot be ruled out, even during the same week. In the desert, or in higher areas, frost occurs every night, and temperatures as low as -10ºC (14F) are not rare. In the high Andes, of course, under -30ºC (-22F) may be recorded, but snow is scarce because of the dryness.
Springs arrive quickly in August, and a tremendous drought is to be expected. Daytime temperatures may soar to unexpected values very early, only to fall quickly to wintry levels and then recover. Overall, a few days over 40ºC (104F) are to be expected yearly.
Rainfall ranges from over 650 mm in some mountains in the East, to a general 400 mm in semiarid eastern regions, to about 100 mm in the driest spots.
Highest point: Nevada Ojos del Salado (Salt Springs Peak) 6908 meters.
Read more about this topic: Catamarca Province
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