 The current department of Alpes-Maritimes, however, does not have only one climate, the complex terrain and high mountains divide the department between those who are well exposed (the south-facing side) and those which are less (the north-facing side) and even with the mild Mediterranean climate there can be violent storms and prolonged droughts.The coastal area has a Mediterranean climate (rainfall in autumn and spring especially, summer drought, mild winter and dry).The interior, especially in the north, has a mountain climate (winter quite bright, summer storms).