Climate

Approximately 40% (40 million acres) of California is classified as desert, with three North American desert regions (Mojave, Colorado, Great Basin) represented in the state. The Mojave Desert is by far the largest in area (32 million acres) and is also the most arid, characterized by its extremely hot and dry summers. Most of the approximately 2 inches of annual rain falls in winter and spring, although there may be isolated, intense summer monsoonal showers in July and August. Higher elevations can receive much more precipitation, including snow.

Temperatures also vary widely by season and elevation. Summer daytime temperatures are commonly above 100°F from May through September, whereas winter low temperatures are often below freezing from November to March. Recorded extremes at the DSC are a high of 126°F and a low of 9°F. Winds are also strongly seasonal, with spring generally the windiest season, with sustained winds regularly >12 mph.