vContinental locations experience larger diurnal and seasonal temperature changes than locations on or near large bodies of water because land surfaces heat and
cool more quickly than oceans.
vInterior locations experience more sunshine, less cloudiness, less moisture and less precipitation than coastal areas.
vPrecipitation is especially heavy on the windward side of coastal mountain ranges oriented perpendicular to prevailing winds from the ocean. Marine air lifted up a mountain range releases much of its moisture as precipitation.
As a result, far less precipitation is received on the leeward side.