In January, high pressure over the interior of southern Asia (particularly the Indian subcontinent) produces northeasterly surface winds for much of the region (Fig. 10-4a). This cool continental air contains very little moisture, so precipitation during winter is at a minimum. But as spring gives way to summer the high-pressure cell dissipates, and the ITCZ (Equatorial Low) shifts far northward to a position over the Tibetan Plateau. As a result, the airflow from the Southeast Trades now crosses the equator and is recurved by the opposite Coriolis deflection of the Northern Hemisphere into a south westerly flow (Fig. 10-4b).