What kind of climate does the Great Plains have?

The Great Plains are characterized by a continental climate. Across most of the region, this climate features cold winters, warm summers, low humidity, and significant wind, often accompanied by sudden temperature fluctuations.12

Precipitation is generally low, with the Gulf of Mexico serving as the primary moisture source. Rainfall amounts decrease from east to west and from south to north, with most areas receiving more rain in the summer than in the winter. While the eastern portions of the region are subhumid, the western Great Plains are defined by a semiarid climate.132

A notable feature of the western plains is the chinook, a warm, dry wind descending from the Rocky Mountains that can cause rapid temperature increases of 30 to 40 °F (17 to 22 °C). Additionally, the growing season varies significantly, ranging from approximately 240 days in Texas to 120 days near the U.S.-Canadian border.12