Segment of a larger geographic region that enjoys warmer weather conditions than the region
A banana belt is any segment of a larger geographic
region that enjoys warmer weather conditions than the region as a whole, especially in the wintertime. The term "banana belt" is broad enough that it can be used to describe everything from the entire
Antarctic Peninsula, to the southern part of the
American Midwest,[1] to
microclimate areas of mountain ranges.[2]
Banana belts of the latter type may form on the
lee sides of mountain slopes caused by
orographic lift. When air rises over the top of a mountain range, it cools and releases moisture on the
windward slope. As the air is pulled down the other side, it is compressed and heated via
adiabatic heating, and it warms and dries territory in the mountain's
rain shadow.
The portion of the
Oregon Coast region south of
Port Orford is known as "Oregon's Banana Belt" because of its mild climate in relation to the rest of the coast. The largest communities in this region are
Brookings-Harbor and
Gold Beach.[23]
The Lewis-Clark Valley straddling the Washington/Idaho state line is known as the "Banana Belt of the Inland Pacific Northwest". The area includes
Lewiston, Idaho and
Clarkston, Washington, both located at the confluence of the
Snake and
Clearwater Rivers. [24]
The
Treasure Valley area of Southwest Idaho that includes the capital of
Boise, Idaho and surrounding communities is known as Idaho's Banana Belt. Residents enjoy year-round golfing, while being only a short drive away from skiing.[25]