This ecoregion, which extends into Pakistan and Afghanistan, includes the juniper forests of north central Baluchistan, but only a small portion lies in India adjoining the plains of western Punjab. Short rivers originate from the hills of Baluchistan Plateau and drain into shallow lakes or are absorbed into the sandy deserts. Annual rainfall is usually less than 150 mm, falling during the southwest monsoon from June to September. Temperatures fluctuate severely, with summer temperatures approaching 50ºC and hot winds called loo raising dust storms in the summer. At the lower elevations, the vegetation is a tropical steppe flora, with open xeric woodlands.