The British Isles experiences a typically maritime climate, with prevailing southwesterly winds from the Atlantic Ocean. The maritime air masses that influence this part of the world are particularly mild on account of the warming influence of the Gulf Stream. The annual average temperature range in the UK is only about 10?C. Although the west coasts of Canada and Alaska experience maritime climates, the absence of an equally significant warm Pacific current in the mid latitudes means that these regions are generally colder in winter, with more precipitation falling as snow.