How does the climate of Europe change as you move from west to east?

As you move from west to east across Europe, the climate generally shifts from a maritime climate characterized by mild, wet conditions in the west to a more continental climate in the east, marked by greater temperature extremes and less precipitation. Western Europe experiences temperate weather due to the influence of the Atlantic Ocean, while Eastern Europe tends to have colder winters and hotter summers. Additionally, the presence of mountain ranges can further affect local climates, causing variations in temperature and precipitation patterns within regions.