The Republic of Latvia belongs to the Baltic States, which are located in north-eastern Europe. Latvia's climate lies on the border of a temperate continental climate (Dfb) and the temperate maritime climate (Cfb). The influence of the Baltic Sea, on which Latvia is situated, is certainly present. The regular influx of very cool air from the east in the winter or very warm air in the summer means that Latvia can experience the capriciousness that is a distinctive feature of a continental climate.