How does the proximity of water affect climate?

Large bodies of water help to moderate air temperatures of the surrounding regions. They typically cause more precipitation than what usually occurs in the inland regions.

Water has a higher specific heat than air, which means it takes longer to heat up or cool down. Therefore, large bodies of water have the ability to absorb heat on warm days and release heat on hot days, helping to regulate the temperature of the air. Ocean currents also help moderate the climate of the surrounding areas; for example, the movement of cold water to a warmer region causes the climate of the area to be cooler.