Moisture: The westerlies pick up moisture from the Atlantic Ocean as they travel across the ocean. This moisture is then deposited over Western Europe, where it falls as rain or snow. The amount of precipitation that falls depends on a number of factors, including the strength of the westerlies and the topography of the land. In general, the western regions of Western Europe (such as Ireland, the United Kingdom, and France) receive more precipitation than the eastern regions (such as Germany and Poland).
Temperatures: The westerlies also help to moderate temperatures in Western Europe. In the winter, they bring warm air from the Atlantic Ocean, which helps to keep temperatures above freezing in most areas. In the summer, they help to cool temperatures by bringing in cooler air from the ocean. The average temperature in Western Europe ranges from about 2°C (35°F) in January to about 18°C (65°F) in July.
Storms: The westerlies can also bring storms to Western Europe. These storms are often associated with high winds and heavy rain or snow. The most common type of storm in Western Europe is the extratropical cyclone, which is a large-scale storm system that can produce high winds, heavy rain or snow, and thunderstorms. Extratropical cyclones can also produce tornadoes and hail.
The westerlies are a vital part of the climate system of Western Europe. They provide the region with moisture, moderate temperatures, and can also bring storms.
