National Intelligence Survey. Albania, Section 23, Weather and Climate
Abstract
Albania, situated on the southwest coast of the Balkan Peninsula, has a wide variety of terrain features, ranging from coastal lowlands in the west to rugged mountains in the east. It is bounded on the north and northeast by Yugoslavia, on the south and southeast by Greece, and on the west by the Adriatic Sea. The country has essentially a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. The climatic controls are primarily the large semipermanent pressure systems, bringing contrasting air masses over the Area, and the succession of migratory pressure systems and fronts which traverse the Adriatic in September through May, bringing widespread rain, cloudiness, and generally bad weather to the Area. The rugged mountains north and east of Albania obstruct and modify the severely cold winter air arriving from the interior of the great Eurasian landmass. The complex topography within the country also contributes greatly to the areal contrasts in climate in all seasons. The sea to the west and southwest are important both in moderating temperatures and as moisture sources for the invading air masses and migratory cyclones.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1963
- Accession Number
- ADB970347
Entities
Organizations
- Central Intelligence Agency