What is an Arctic air mass?

An Arctic air mass is a large body of air that originates in the Arctic region and is characterized by its very low temperatures. These air masses are typically formed during the winter months when cold air over the Arctic region becomes isolated and starts to move southward, often affecting regions such as Canada and the northern United States.

Arctic air masses can bring very cold temperatures, strong winds, and heavy snowfall to areas they impact. They can also cause extreme weather conditions such as blizzards and ice storms. Because of their low temperatures, they can be dangerous to human health, particularly for those who are not properly prepared for the cold.