Climate of the Helerin Archipelago

The Helerin Archipelago experiences a dry-summer climate characterised by hot, arid summers and milder, wetter winters.
Plantlife, such as trees, and flowers, and flora, including mammals, reptiles, and sealife have all evolved to meet the demands of the archipelago's climate.
Helerin's peoples are similarly adapted, with clothing, food and drink, and building design all shaped around the patterns of Helerin's climate.

Climate

General climate

Temperature

The climate is generally warm, with hot summers. Low temperature extremes are rare, with winter months being cool but seldom cold at low elevations. However, summers can often reach scorching highs.

Wind

Prevailing winds blow from the northeast, bringing strong gusts to exposed shores, especially during autumn and winter. These winds can make maritime navigation treacherous.

Precipitation

Rainfall is generally low, and snow is very rare except at the highest elevations in mountain ranges.

Regional variation

The climate varies across the archipelago, with distinct regional differences:

• Southern and eastern islands, including Teros Major, Mar Mabon, and Mar Miskun, tend to be hotter and more arid, especially in summer. Inland regions and areas in the rain-shadow of mountain ranges are particularly dry.
• The northern and western islands, such as Remon and Great Forbin, are cooler and receive more rainfall, particularly during the winter months.
• Coastal regions, and the Seynan Islands, are moderated by sea breezes, though exposed eastern and northeastern shores face strong winds from the Zarroth and the Sarran Sea. Coastal rains often give way to clearer skies inland, where mountain ranges block moist air.

Seasonal variation

Weather in Helerin is shaped by seasonal cycles, with temperatures and precipitation rising and falling at different times through the year. These patterns shape farming practices among Helerin's peoples.
See also: Helerin's calendar

Summer

Hometides | Bladestill | Redtides
Days are long, temperatures range from hot to very hot, and rainfall is scarce. Summer storms are rare but often violent, particularly over open sea. Calm conditions often precede these storms, leaving mariners at risk. Inland, rivers dwindle and fields harden under relentless sun.

Autumn

Huntscall | Lan Kulal | Pressing
Cooler air arrives, with rising rainfall and frequent mists in lowlands. Coastal winds intensify, and fishing conditions shift as storms become more common.

Winter

Frenal |Turning |Oathing
Rainfall peaks, rivers swell, and inland areas become boggy. Snow is rare except at high elevations, but coastal and mountain winds can be harsh. Weather during these months can feel unpredictable, with days of clear sun followed by sudden squalls.

Spring

Windrise | Girysal |Fairsky
Rain diminishes, temperatures rise, and winds freshen. This is the season of renewal, with blossoming fields, swelling rivers, and the return of migratory fish to coastal waters.

Religious and cultural aspects

The Gods

The islands' climate and weather patterns are closely tied to the Gods: Balcosh, lord of the sun; Mavani, mistress of rain and rivers; and Treca, goddess of storms. People across Helerin offer prayers and sacrifices to these deities, hoping to secure clement weather and life-bringing rain, and see the changing weather as a sign of divine favour or displeasure.
See also: Religion and faith

Festivals

Seasonal festivals and events often coincide with key moments in the weather cycle. Examples include Bal Manthra, giving thanks for the sun, and Firstpress, celebrating the first harvest of olives following autumn rains.
See also: Religious festivals