The diversity of the territory and the size of Spain are reflected in climate variations. Many factors are in place, the geographical position of Spain, the northern and southern regions, the Atlantic and Mediterranean influences and the Sierras all have an impact on the climate. Generally Spain has hot summers and mild winters with rainfalls in autumn and spring. The north and northwest part of the country is affected by depressions from the Atlantic causing frequent rainfalls and cloudy patches; summers are generally sunny but much cooler than in the rest of Spain. The central regions have continental weather, hot summers and cold winters with frequent rainfalls well into autumn and spring. On the Sierras, snowfalls are abundant in winter and the cold winds often have an effect on the internal regions’ temperatures. The Mediterranean coast benefits from very mild winters and warm summers with a pleasant sea breeze containing the intense heat. The southern coastal regions are often affected by the warm air blowing from North Africa while the Canary Islands enjoy all year round warm weather.