Köppen climate classification
The Köppen climate classification divides climates into five main climate groups, with each group being divided based on seasonal precipitation and temperature patterns. The five main groups are "A" (tropical), "B" (dry), "C" (temperate), "D" (continental), and "E" (polar). Each group and subgroup is represented by a letter. All climates are assigned a main group (the first letter). All climates except for those in the "E" group are assigned a seasonal precipitation subgroup (the second letter). For example, "Af" indicates a tropical rainforest climate. The system assigns a temperature subgroup for all groups other than those in the "A" group, indicated by the third letter for climates in "B", "C", and "D", and the second letter for climates in "E". For example, "Cfb" indicates an oceanic climate with warm summers as indicated by the ending "b". Climates are classified based on specific criteria unique to each climate type.
Magdalena Contreras
There are three main climates found in the borough. The urbanized part is temperate and semi-moist. Conservation areas between above sea level are semi-cold and semi-moist, and those areas above are semi-cold and moist. All areas receive most of their rainfall during the summer rainy season particularly in July. This precipitation can often take the form of hail, with fog common during the summer and in November and December. Snow is rare.
Wildlife and native flora are mostly restricted to the conservation areas of the southern two thirds of the borough. The vegetation of this conservation area is an important source for oxygenation in the Valley of Mexico. Vegetation varies by altitude. Tree species include oaks, holm oaks, and pines. Bushes, brush, and other vegetation is mostly deciduous and includes plants from the legume and cactus families. A number of ravines and some of the higher altitudes have species adapted to wetter climes including Alnus jorullensis, Salix bonpladiana, Fraxinus uhdei, Buddlei cordata, Pronus capuli, and Taxodium mucronatum. In the pre-Hispanic period, fauna was highly varied; however, many species, such as wildcats, wolves, coyotes, anteaters and many others, are no longer found due to human settlement and habitat loss. Smaller mammals such as rabbits and squirrels still remain, especially in the higher elevations. Various types of birds such as hummingbirds, carpenter birds, and more, along with various lizards, snakes, and amphibians remain.