Climate, especially rainfall and wind conditions, is the most important factor in grassland survival. Grasslands located deep in the interiors of continents in the Northern Hemisphere face extreme weather from tornadoes, droughts (dry periods), blizzards, and dust storms. Temperate grasslands in the Southern Hemisphere, such as the pampas in Argentina, are closer to the moderating effect of the oceans which makes their climates less extreme.

Temperature

Since tropical grasslands are near the equator, their climate is warm all year. The winter is dry and the summer brings a short, but very wet, rainy season. The average summer temperature on a tropical savanna is above 80°F (26.6°C). Winter averages about 65°F (18°C).

Temperatures in temperate grasslands vary according to how far north or south of the equator they are located and how far inland from the oceans. In general, summers are hot and winters are cold. On the North...