What can extreme temperature differences between air masses lead to?

Extreme temperature differences between air masses can create significant pressure gradients in the atmosphere. These gradients result in the movement of air, which often leads to turbulent weather conditions. When warm, moist air interacts with cold, dry air, it can result in the development of various severe weather phenomena such as thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes. The lifting of the warm air over the colder air can cause rapid condensation, leading to intense precipitation and potentially severe storms.

In contrast, calm weather typically occurs in stable air masses where there is little temperature contrast and minimal air movement. Consistent mild temperatures are likely found when there is little thermal gradient between air masses, and decreased humidity usually results from descending air or specific weather patterns that do not involve the mixing of different air masses. Hence, the presence of extreme temperature differences is more likely to lead to severe weather events rather than these calmer or offsetting conditions.