When a continental polar (cP) air mass moves into an area, several changes in weather conditions are likely to occur based on the characteristics of this type of air mass:
-
Temperature Drop: Continental polar air masses are typically cooler than the air they replace. As a result, you can expect a noticeable drop in temperatures.
-
Low Humidity: Continental polar air masses are characterized by low humidity levels. This can lead to clearer skies and less cloud cover, as there is less moisture in the air to condense into clouds.
-
Clear Skies: With the low humidity and the cool, stable conditions associated with cP air, conditions are likely to be clear or mostly clear, with limited precipitation.
-
Stable Atmospheric Conditions: These air masses are generally stable, which means that severe weather conditions, such as thunderstorms or heavy precipitation, are less likely to occur.
-
Frost or Ice Formation: In colder months, the introduction of a continental polar air mass can result in the formation of frost or ice, especially during the night when temperatures drop.
-
Wind Changes: Depending on how the cP air mass is replacing a warmer air mass, there may be noticeable shifts in wind direction, typically with winds becoming more northerly or northwesterly.
Overall, when a continental polar air mass moves into an area, you can expect cooler temperatures, lower humidity, clearer skies, and generally dry and stable weather conditions.
1 answer