The Interior Plain's open terrain leads to hot, dry summers and cold winters.

The flat, open geography of the Interior Plains exposes it to a wide range of air masses, causing dramatic seasonal temperature variations. During summer, warm, dry air from the south sweeps over the plains, leading to hot and often dry conditions. In winter, cold Arctic air moves down from the north, bringing frigid temperatures. The lack of natural barriers, like mountains, also means that strong winds, thunderstorms, and tornadoes can frequently occur, especially in warmer months. This geography-driven climate gives the Interior Plains its characteristic hot summers and cold, sometimes severe winters.