Continental Position

Colorado's position far inland greatly influences its climate. Since it is distant from any large bodies of water, the climate is usually dry. Also, since there are no oceans to moderate seasonal temperatures, Colorado has hot summers and cold winters.

Moisture from the Pacific and the Gulf of Mexico must travel long distances before arriving in Colorado. Much of the moisture from these storms is intercepted by mountains ranges before reaching Colorado.

Moisture from the Pacific Northwest must travel over 900 miles before reaching northwestern Colorado. Significant quantities of precipitation are intercepted by the Wasatch and Uinta ranges in Utah.

Storms moving in directly from California lose moisture to the Sierras before arriving in Colorado.

Before arriving in southwest Colorado, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico dries as it passes over low mountain ranges.

Cold, dry continental air may push into northwestern Colorado, but tends to predominate on the Colorado plains.

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