Milan, Italy v. Chicago, Illinois

Latitudinal Effects on Climate

Although it is a bit hard to see the Latitude classifications on the image depicted below (left), it is clear that the red line of latitude going through both the West and East sides of the map are comparatively similar. To be more precise, the exact latitude of Chicago, Illinois is at 45°N and the exact for Milan, Italy is 41°N.

It is easy to agree that both latitudes are at a discreet degree distant, even if the latitudes are half a world apart. With this in mind, one would be quick to assume that the climate is also at a discreet degree of difference, however, the climate and weather conditions in these two areas could not be any more diverse.

With reference to the image illustrated (right) next to the Latitude and Longitude scale of both locations, the Koppen/Geiger Climate Classification system allows us to differentiate even further.  Within this classification, Chicago experiences a Hot Summer Continental Climate, or Dfa.  With this climate and the Continental air masses dropping in from Canada, temperatures are capable of being rather cold, sometimes as low as -20*F.  By contrast, in summer time, the polar front retreats northward significantly, and maritime tropical (mT) heads north from the Gulf of Mexico below.  Milan, on the other hand, faces a more Maritime West Coastal climate, or a Cfb.  As previously stated in past blogs, this climate region generally features warm, but not hot summers and cool, but not cold winters, with a narrow annual temperature range.