Editing Geography of California (section)

==Climate==
{{main|Climate of California}}
[[File:California Köppen.gif|thumb|upright=1.25|California map of Köppen climate classification.]]

[[California]]'s climate varies widely, from [[arid]] to [[subarctic]], depending on [[latitude]], [[elevation]], and proximity to the coast. Coastal and Southern parts of the state have a [[Subtropical]] [[Mediterranean climate]], with somewhat rainy winters and dry summers. The influence of the [[ocean]] generally moderates temperature extremes, creating warmer winters and substantially cooler summers, especially along the coastal areas.

The state is subject to [[coastal storm]]s during the winter. Eastern California is subject to summertime thunderstorms caused by the [[North American monsoon]]. Dry weather during the rest of the year produces conditions favorable to [[wildfire]]s. [[California hurricane]]s occur less frequently than their counterparts on the [[Atlantic Ocean]].  Higher elevations experience [[snowstorm]]s in the winter months.

[[Flood]]s are occasionally caused by heavy rain, storms, and snowmelt.  Steep slopes and unstable soil make certain locations vulnerable to [[landslides]] in wet weather or during earthquakes.