Key characteristics:
* Sharp boundary: It is a relatively narrow zone where there is a sudden change in humidity.
* Dry air: The air mass on the west side of the dry line is typically dry, warm, and stable. It originates from the arid regions of the southwest United States and northern Mexico.
* Moist air: The air mass on the east side of the dry line is typically moist, unstable, and often originates from the Gulf of Mexico.
* Convergence zone: Air flows converge at the dry line, leading to uplift and the potential for thunderstorms.
* Location: The dry line typically stretches from Texas into the Great Plains, but can shift eastward or westward with changes in weather patterns.
Impact:
* Severe weather: Dry lines are often associated with severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hail.
* Shifting winds: The air mass boundary can create strong wind shifts, which can make driving difficult.
* Dust storms: Strong winds and dry conditions can lead to dust storms.
* Rainfall: Moist air from the east side of the dry line can lead to significant rainfall.
Identification:
* Satellite imagery: A dry line appears as a sharp boundary on satellite images.
* Surface observations: Humidity sensors and weather stations can track the change in humidity across the dry line.
* Weather maps: Dry lines are often marked on weather maps.
Understanding the dry line is crucial for predicting and understanding weather patterns, particularly in the central United States.