What are the primary determinants of Mississippi's climate variability?

The primary determinants of Mississippi's climate variability are indeed ocean currents and atmospheric conditions. Mississippi's weather is significantly influenced by its geographic position, which allows it to experience a mix of maritime and continental influences. Ocean currents, particularly from the Gulf of Mexico, play a crucial role in shaping temperature and precipitation patterns in the state. These currents help to moderate temperatures and can also contribute to the formation of weather systems that lead to rain and storms.

Atmospheric conditions, such as the behavior of jet streams and the presence of high or low-pressure systems, further affect local weather patterns. For instance, the interaction of moist air from the Gulf of Mexico with drier continental air can result in significant precipitation and storms, contributing to Mississippi's climate variability.

While mountain ranges and elevation may play a key role in influencing climate in other regions, Mississippi is relatively flat, so these factors have less impact. Urbanization and land-use changes can influence microclimates, but they are not primary determinants of climate variability on a broader scale. Similarly, while seasonal winds and humidity levels certainly have implications for specific weather events, they are manifestations of the larger atmospheric and oceanic systems at play, rather than primary determinants on their own.