A continental polar air mass is a large body of cold, dry air that forms over land in polar regions. These air masses typically originate in areas like northern Canada or Siberia, where the surface is covered with snow and ice. As a result, they are characterized by low humidity and cooler temperatures. When a continental polar air mass moves southward, it can influence weather patterns, often bringing clear skies and chilly conditions. These air masses can interact with warmer, moist air from other regions, leading to the development of weather fronts and sometimes even storms, depending on the circumstances.