A continental air mass is a large body of air that forms over land, characterized by its relatively dry conditions. These air masses typically develop in regions where the ground is not influenced by large bodies of water, leading to lower humidity levels. They can be classified as either warm or cold, depending on the temperature of the land surface beneath them. When a continental air mass moves, it can significantly affect the weather in the areas it travels to. For example, a continental polar air mass brings cold, dry air, while a continental tropical air mass brings warm, dry conditions. Understanding these air masses is essential for predicting weather patterns.