Climatology : Different climatic zones

Climate zones according to Latitude:

• 0-50 - Equatorial
• 5-150 - Tropical
• 15- 300 - Sub tropical
• 30-400 Warm Temperate
• 40 – 660.5 - Cool Temperate
• >66.50 – Artic or Polar
Climatology : Different climatic zones

Equatorial, Tropical and sub-tropical regions are further divided into 3 major climatic zone:

Based on Temperature and humidity.

• Hot Arid zone

• Warm – Humid Zone
• Temperate/Composite zone
Climatology : Different climatic zones

Hot Arid zone:

• Nearly 33% of the Earth's land is covered in Arid climate.
• The word arid means dry.
• hot, dry air - dry ground -lack vegetation.
• Cities – Baghdad, Phoenix, Kuwait, Karachi
Climatology : Different climatic zones

Hot Arid zone:

• Exists due to the pattern of cold water
currents, which force dry air over the land.
• Exists in the rain shadow of large mountain
ranges.
• A rain shadow is land on a side of a
mountain that is very dry because the
mountain forces warm air higher into the
sky, which cools it and it falls as rain, but
only on one side of the mountain.
Climatology : Different climatic zones

Hot Arid zone:

Temperatures

• Temperatures can reach as high as 1300 or as

low as – 300.
• The diurnal range is very high (17-220C)
Season
• Most Arid areas do not have regular seasons. For instance the Sahara Desert is always hot and
dry.
• Some places do have changes in temperature depending on the latitude and the surrounding
climates. hence there are 2 seasons, summer and winter.
Precipitation
• Precipitation (or the lack of) is the main factor that defines Arid climate.
• To have an Arid climate, an area must receive less than 10 inches of rain per year.
Climatology : Different climatic zones

Hot Arid zone:

Solar Radiation
• Very strong and hot during the daytime because most of the radiation received is direct
radiation.
• However at night the heat easily escapes leaving the nights to be colder.
Humidity:
• Due to very hot and harsh sun, the humidity is very low. It is generally between 10-55%
Sky condition:
• Sky is normally clear and blue in this type of climate but sometimes dust storms fill complete
sky and these dusty skies create unbearable glare.
Climatology : Different climatic zones

Hot Arid zone:

Wind:
• High speed dusty winds are very common for this
type of climate.
Vegetation
• There are a few Arid climate areas that are so dry
that no plants can survive, such as Atacama
Desert.
• Since many Arid climate areas do receive some
rain (up to 10 inches a year), there will be
vegetation in most Arid areas.
• To survive in this climate, plants must either
require very little water or be able to store water.
The plants often have long roots and thorns.
Climatology : Different climatic zones

Hot Arid zone: Design Criteria

Main Aim:
• To avoid hot sun as far as possible.
• To capture as much cool air as possible.
• To provide protection from dust storms.
Climatology : Different climatic zones

Hot Arid zone: Design Criteria

Building design:
• Compact plans are preferred.
• Courtyard planning along with some trees and small
water body creates very good cool microclimate.
• Inward openings helps in avoiding direct solar
radiation.
• Deeper rooms with longer length are better.
• Thicker external walls with minimum windows.
• Dark surfaces should be.
• Avoiding hard paved surfaces
Climatology : Different climatic zones

Hot Arid zone: Design Criteria

Town planning:
• Narrow alleys and streets are preferable.
• Large open spaces in a city should be avoided.
• Compact planning is preferable with courtyards,
porches and protective street level projections.
Climatology : Different climatic zones

Hot Arid zone: Design Criteria

Town planning:
• Provision of green vegetation and water bodies also help in creating a microclimate.
• Positioning daily services such as offices, shops, schools in close proximity to the residences
within walking distance also helps in avoiding radiation. Hence mixed use planning is
preferable.
Climatology : Different climatic zones

Warm Humid climate (Equatorial and Island climate)

• Large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot (and often humid) summers and
cold (sometimes severely cold) winters.
• It is characterized by hot, sticky conditions and the continual presence of dampness.
• Humid continental climates tend to be found above 40° N latitude, within the central and
northeastern portions of North America, Europe, and Asia.
• Cities: Singapore, Jakarta, Colombo, Lagos
Climatology : Different climatic zones

Humid climate (Equatorial & Island climate)

Air Temperature:
• Summer month temperatures average about 71 degrees and winter months usually average
25 degrees
• Lesser diurnal range as the mean max. day temp ranges from 27 – 320C and the mean min.
temperature at night ranges from 21 - 270C.
Seasons:
• Humid Continental climate is one of the few climates with 4 different season. Warm and
humid summer, cool and dry autumn (fall), cold and harsh winter, and a warm and wet spring.
Climatology : Different climatic zones

Humid climate
Precipitation:
• These areas receive year round precipitation. The annual range of rainfall ranges from 2000 to
5000mm

Solar radiation:
• Solar radiation is usually received in diffused from due to cloudy conditions.

Humidity:
• Humidity ranges from 75 – 100% hence the climate type is of high humidity.

Sky conditions:
• The sky is fairly cloudy throughout the year. The cloud cover varies between 60 – 90%.
Climatology : Different climatic zones

Humid climate
Wind:
Wind particularly desirable in this area since it is used as a control measure against heat and
humidity.
Vegetation:
• A wide variety of plants are found in this region.
• This climate is excellent for farming since it has warm summers and regular rainfall
Climatology : Different climatic zones

Humid climate -Design Criteria :

Main aim:

• To allow maximum air circulation

• To prevent damage from flooding conditions.
Climatology : Different climatic zones

Humid climate: Design Criteria

Building design:
• Maximum ventilation is desirable. This leads to open planning with free circulation and cross
ventilation.
• Since this region also has heavy rainfall roofs would be mostly sloped and the drainage system
should also be given special attention.
• Corridor of Gallery system is recommended for buildings like school, hospitals, offices etc for
cross ventilation. In residential, single row of rooms with veranda to allow cross ventilation.
• Large openings with sun shading devices are preferred.
• Construction materials with low thermal capacity.
Climatology : Different climatic zones

Humid climate: Design Criteria

Town planning
• Free planning or scattered planning is preferred rather than compact planning.
• Buildings not exceeding 3 storey height because higher buildings receive more hear radiation
and create obstruction in wind movement for neighboring buildings.
Climatology : Different climatic zones

Temperate/ Monsoon/ Composite climate:

• These climatic conditions occur around the

tropic of cancer and Capricorn. High seasonal
changes occur in this region.
City: Lahore, Kathmandu, Delhi.

• Temperature:
In low land, during pre-monsoon high temperature (32oC - 45oC), low
temperature 21oC- 27oC during night.
In winter upto 27oC during day and 1-10oC at night.
In uplands : (High altitude), temperature depends on its altitude
Climatology : Different climatic zones

Temperate/ Monsoon/ Composite climate:

Season:
• 2-3 seasons in a year
Warm humid season during monsoon – June, July, August
Moderate or cool dry season - winter – Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Hot arid season during pre-monsoon - summer – March , April, June

• Humidity:
Dry season – 20-55%
Wet season – 55-90%
Climatology : Different climatic zones

Temperate/ Monsoon/ Composite climate:

• Rainfall:
Annual 500 – 1300mm
Heavy rainfall during rainy seasons.

• Sky condition:
Varies with season.
Clear sky in dry season
Full or partly cloudy in monsoon seasons.
Climatology : Different climatic zones

Temperate/ Monsoon/ Composite climate:

• Solar radiation:
Winter time, depending on the altitude, the solar radiation is intense.
Diffused in monsoon seasons.

• Wind:
Hot and dusty in dry period.
Monsoon winds are fairly strong and steady.

• Vegetation:
Grows quickly.
Climatology : Different climatic zones

Temperate/ Monsoon/ Composite climate: Design criteria

Main Aim:
• Seek solar radiation gain in winter and provide shading in summer
• Provide wind protection in winter and proper ventilation in summer

Design Criteria
• Conflicting needs of hot, dry and warm humid therefore, design objectives of
other two zones are partly applicable.

• Settlement should be semi-compact, Protection of shelter from wind in cold

season but also to take advantage of solar radiation.
Climatology : Different climatic zones

Temperate/ Monsoon/ Composite climate: Design criteria

• In lowland regions settlements should be exposed to the wind and protected

from the sun. In winter the opposite is required.

• In upland regions, shelter against the wind and orientation for maximum solar
radiation gain are required all the year round.

• Sites oriented south-southeast and located in the middle or the lower middle of
a slope are preferred for better solar gain.
Climatology : Different climatic zones

Temperate/ Monsoon/ Composite climate: Design criteria

• The outdoor space –

• Should be planned to provide a well-balanced mix of open, sunny areas for
the cold season and shaded, well-ventilated areas for the warm period.
• Open squares with groups of trees to provide shade are desirable.
Climatology : Different climatic zones

Temperate/ Monsoon/ Composite climate: Design

criteria

Building design
• Normally, buildings should have an elongated shape W E
along the east-west axis.
• The southern front should be designed for
utilization of winter sun and protection against the
summer sun.
• Windows on the eastern side receive substantial
heat during the morning, which may be highly
appreciated in winter time.
Climatology : Different climatic zones

Temperate/ Monsoon/ Composite climate:

Design criteria

Usually, larger windows on the west side are

to be avoided, as the solar heat gain through
these would coincide with the highest air
temperatures.
Building design
• A moderately compact internal room
arrangement is of beneficial for most of
the year.
• Courtyard buildings are suitable, terraced
buildings facing south may also be
appropriate.
Climatology : Different climatic zones

Temperate/ Monsoon/ Composite climate:

Design criteria

Building design
• In the warmer areas, humidity can cause
problems during the monsoon period,
Hence, arrangements for a proper cross-
ventilation are necessary.

• The separation of humidity-producing areas

such as kitchen and bathrooms from the rest
of the building is recommended.
Climatology : Climates in Nepal: Quick Facts

• Area: 146,181 sq Km
• 41st most populous country in the world
• Land – 143,181 sq. Km
• Water – 4,000 sq.Km
• Nepal stretches from 260 22’ to 300 27’ north latitude and from 800 040’ to
880 12’ East longitudes.
• East to west length upto 885 Km
• Width ranging from 130 to 260 Km.
• Climate: Varies from cool summers and severe winters in north to
subtropical summers and mild winters in south
• Elevation extremes:
• Lowest point: 60m
• Highest point: 8,848m (1999)- Mount Everest
Climatology : Climates in Nepal:

• Diverse topography.

• Three zones- the mountains, the

hills and the terai region which
are the lowlands bordering
India.

• Diverse topography -the climatic

and environmental conditions
varies drastically from north to
south.
Climatology : Climates in Nepal - Nepalese Climate:

• In the north summers are cool and winters severe, while in south summers are
tropical and winters are mild.

• five major seasons: spring, summer, monsoon, autumn and winter.

• An average temperature drop of 6°C occurs for every 1,000 m gain in altitude.

• In the Terai, summer temperatures exceed 37° C and higher in some areas,
winter temperatures range from 7°C to 23°C in the Terai.

• In mountainous regions, hills and valleys, summers are temperate while winter
temperatures can plummet under sub zero.
Climatology : Climates in Nepal - Nepalese Climate:

• The valley of Kathmandu has a pleasant climate with average summer and
winter temperatures of 19°C – 35°C and 2°C – 12°C respectively.
• Himalayas blocking the moist, tropical air from the Bay of Bengal, and ultimately
leading to its conversion to rain in the summer.
• In the winter, this range prevents the outbursts of cold air from Inner Asia from
reaching southern Nepal and northern India.
• Eighty percent of the precipitation is received during the monsoon (June-
September).
• The average annual rainfall is 1,600 mm, but it varies by eco-climatic zones,
such as 3,345 mm in Pokhara and below 300 mm in Mustang
Climatology : Climates in Nepal - Nepalese Climate:

Influencing Factors
• Latitude:
Nepal lies in the sub-tropical zone of the world (260 to 300N). So its climate is
generally temperate(Monsoon)

• Altitude of land
In terai, (the lowest altitude) climate is hot, in hilly area its warm and in the
Himalayas (the highest altitude) its cold.

• Mountain Direction
Mountains are situated on north along the east west direction. The south-east
seasonal wind from Bengal sea creates monsoon rainfall in months of July, August
Climatology : Climates in Nepal - Nepalese Climate:

Influencing Factors
• Prevailing Wind
Prevailing winds from south-east Bengal sea creates monsoon in July, August. At
that time, the climate is very humid.
• Local wind
Most of the mountainous region is cold in the winter due to the local cold
waves from the Himalayas.
In the summer, hot waves from Indo-Pakistan desert gives up extremely hot
winds in western Terai region.
Climatology : Climates in Nepal - Nepalese Climate:

Influencing Factors
Slope of Land
Nepal is situated in the northern hemisphere so that only south slope gets solar
radiation where as north slope is insulated from the sun.

Forest:
Forest helps in rainfall and makes local climate humid.

Distance from the sea:

Nepal is a land locked country so effect of sea is very less.
Climatology : Climates in Nepal - Nepalese Climate:

Types of climate in Nepal (as per altitude)

The climates can be divided into 5 types that occur from south to north range and
depends upon the altitude of the region.

• Sub-Tropical monsoon climate (upto 1200m) – Terai region

• Warm Temperate climate (1200-2100) – Hilly region (Ktm, Pokhara valley)
• Cool Temperature climate (2100 – 3300m) (Jumla, Humla, Darchula)
• Alpine climate (3300 – 5000m) (mustang, Manang, solukhumbu)
• Tundra / Polar climate (above 5000m) – Temperature always 00C or less
Climatology : Climates in Nepal - Design Criteria for Terai Region:

Summer time: Chaitra-Bhadra

Winter time: Paush, Magh
Comfortable: Mangsir-Falgun

• Terai region occupies 14.4% of the country.

• This region of Nepal runs along the southern border. This narrow strip of land
averages only 20 Km in width.

• Altitudes range from 66 m to 300 m. The region enjoys a warm sub-tropical

climate and its alluvial soils are fertile.
Climatology : Climates in Nepal - Design Criteria for Terai Region:

• Hottest part of the country -extreme maximum temperature - more than 450C.

• Characterized by high summer day time temperature, wide range of

temperature between day and night and between summer and winter and low
RH in dry seasons.
Climatology : Climates in Nepal - Design Criteria for Terai Region:

Main Design Objectives:

• Maximum exposure to NE and NW. Minimum exposure towards SW and W to
reduce sun radiation.

• Suitable designs - wide roof overhang to shades exterior

• Openings - moderate size with sun shading devices.

• Colors - light and Textures - smooth for exterior wall and roofs.
Climatology : Climates in Nepal - Design Criteria for Terai Region:

Main Design Objectives:

• Include green areas of plants around and within the settlements to provide
shade and cool air.

• Integrate -water bodies, vegetation

• Sufficient air circulation through cross ventilation.

• Gallery or corridor system.

Climatology : Climates in Nepal - Design Criteria for Hilly Region:

• The region of Nepal that covers about half of the total area of the country.
(About 45% )
• This area is covered with deep valleys and terraced ridges.
• This area is very rugged with trails that rise to 2500m and go down to river
valleys and then back up again.

Sub-Tropical climate upto 1200m

Warm temperate climate 1200-2100m
City: Kathmandu, Pokhara
Climatology : Climates in Nepal - Design Criteria for Hilly Region:

Main Design Objectives:

• Recommended orientation - S, SE, SW.
• Veranda, balconies on S, SE, SW.
• Openings - medium size with sun shading devices, to protect only from
summer sunlight, but winter sun should be admitted.
Climatology : Climates in Nepal - Design Criteria for Hilly Region:

Main Design Objectives:

• Buildings should be located on the southern slope of the hill and open
courtyard should be in front of the buildings .
• In cool places, compact planning is recommended with kitchen or fireplace
in the center.
• Double storey residence is recommended as dampness is very high in hilly
regions.
Climatology : Climates in Nepal - Design Criteria for Mountainous Region:

• In this region of Nepal are found eight of the world’s ten highest mountain. Less
than eight percent of the population of Nepal lives in this region.
Cool temperate climate (2100-3300m)
Alpine climate (3300-5000m)
Polar/Tundra (>5000m)
Summer: June-July
Winter: August-March
Climatology : Climates in Nepal - Design Criteria for Mountainous Region:

• Extreme cold temperature and dry atmosphere.

• Aim : Protection from cold waves from Himalayas and maximum use of solar
radiation.
Main Design Objectives:
• Orientation must be in S,SW, SE for living spaces in a building.

• Compact settlement and compact planning is preferred.

• Small windows should in N – Side and window of moderate size should be in

other sides.
Climatology : Climates in Nepal - Design Criteria for Mountainous Region:

• Buffer zones are recommended between living spaces and exterior spaces as
well as buffer zone in top of the floor. If flat roof is without buffer zone, there must
be thermal insulation provision.

• Flat roof with insulation provision, sloped roof with attic space as buffer
zone are highly recommended.
• Ceiling height should be low in order to economize heating energy and heat
loss.
Climatology : Climates in Nepal - Design Criteria for Mountainous Region:

• Buffer zones are recommended between living spaces and exterior spaces as
well as buffer zone in top of the floor. If flat roof is without buffer zone, there must
be thermal insulation provision.
• • Ceiling height should be low in order to economize heating energy and
heat loss.
• As in traditional planning, Kitchen or fireplace is suitable to place in the
center of the building to warm up inside of the building.
Thick local mud and stone wall and roof are very useful to maintain thermal
comfort inside the building.

• Compact settlement and compact planning is preferred.