Climate
The climate is arctic and severe. Snow cover is present for 9 months of the year.
- Average temperature in January: −28°C to −31°C
- Temperature in July: At the coasts icy Arctic water lets the temperatures stay relatively low. Average maximum temperatures from +8°C to +11°C and average minimum temperatures from -3°C to +1°C. In the interior of the islands the average maximum temperatures in July are +16°C to +19°C and average minimum temperatures +3°C to +6°C.
- Precipitation: up to 132 mm a year
Permafrost and underground ice are very common. The surface of the islands is covered with Arctic tundra vegetation and numerous lakes.
The ocean surrounding the islands is covered with ice most of the year. During warm years, the ocean briefly opens for navigation July through October. During cold years, islands may remain ice-locked through the summer.
Polar night conditions are present November through February, and, conversely, the Sun remains above the horizon continuously during summer months.
Read more about this topic: New Siberian Islands
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