Question

Which air masses influence much of the weather in north america, especially east of the rocky mountains?

Answer 1

East of the Rocky Mountains is the so called Midwest region in North America. This vast region is mostly consisted of lowlands covered with grasses, and they are bordered with mountain ranges on both the east and the west, which prevents the maritime influence.

Because of this natural barriers, this region has mostly continental air masses influencing its climate. In the colder period of the year they are continental polar air masses, forming over Canada and moving southwards. In the warmer period of the year they are continental tropical, forming in the southern part of this region and moving northwards.

This type of air masses bring in very hot and dry summers, and very cold and snowy winters.