How does nearness to water influence climate?

Areas near oceans experience a maritime climate with lower temperature ranges due to the moderating effects of the water. Water has a high heat capacity, meaning it can absorb and store large amounts of heat without a significant change in temperature. This characteristic results in milder summers and warmer winters in coastal regions compared to areas that are further inland, where temperature fluctuations are more pronounced.

As a result, oceans tend to moderate the climate, leading to less extreme temperatures and, consequently, a narrower temperature range throughout the year. This phenomenon is particularly noticeable in regions located close to large bodies of water, such as oceans, where the influence of the water is strongest. Understanding this relationship illustrates the important role that proximity to water plays in shaping local climates and weather patterns.