Continental Climate: The Dominant Weather Pattern Between the Appalachians and Rockies

Continental Climate: The Dominant Weather Pattern Between the Appalachians and Rockies

The vast region of the United States between the Appalachian Mountains and the Rocky Mountains—encompassing the Great Plains, Midwest, and parts of the Ozarks and New England—is dominated by a humid continental climate (Köppen Dfa/Dfb). This climate is defined by:

• Large annual temperature ranges: Hot, often humid summers and cold, snowy winters.
• Seasonal precipitation: Most rainfall occurs in spring and summer (thunderstorms); winters are drier with snowfall.
• Distinct four seasons: Pronounced seasonal transitions.

The lack of moderating oceanic influence allows extreme temperature swings, while the flat terrain facilitates the movement of air masses from the Gulf of Mexico and Canada.