Where Do Air Masses Originate?

There are basically 2 source regions for where air masses form, but 4 general categories to classify the source of an air mass.

First, the two main source regions, each defined with a capital letter...

P -- air masses that originate in Polar latitudes

T -- ones that have warm Tropical origins

Now the 4 general categories to classify an air mass.

If the source region is over land, it will have a small letter "c" before the initial. If it is over water, there will be a small letter "m" before the main source region initial.

cP -- cold, dry and stable air throughout the air mass

cT -- hot, dry, stable air aloft with unstable air at the surface

mP -- cool, moist and unstable air throughout the air mass

mT -- warm, moist and usually unstable air found throughout the air mass

There are a few other classifications, such as cA (continental Arctic air masses) but if you master the 4 main ones above you are in business!

I am traveling on business out of state the next few days and will not have access to a computer.

BUT -- when I return I will pick up with the air masses of North America in more detail.

Get out and vote -- your voice could be the deciding one!

Happy Election Day!