Which of the following best describes a Mediterranean climate's summer characteristics?

A Mediterranean climate is characterized by its warm and dry summers. This climate type typically experiences significant seasonal variation, with summers that are marked by high temperatures and low precipitation. The dry conditions in summer are due to the subtropical high-pressure systems that dominate these regions, effectively inhibiting cloud formation and rainfall. This results in long, hot summers that can lead to drought conditions in some areas.

In contrast, the other climate attributes mentioned do not align with the Mediterranean summer characteristics. For instance, cool and rainy summers do not fit because, in Mediterranean regions, summer is generally devoid of significant rainfall. Hot and humid summers might describe tropical climates better, as humidity levels are usually lower in Mediterranean summers. Lastly, mild and cloudy conditions are more typical of the winter months in Mediterranean climates, which tend to be cooler and wetter. Thus, the description of summers as warm and dry is the most accurate representation of a Mediterranean climate.