Map of North America Weather Pattern (IMAGE) University of California - Berkeley Caption This is a map of the predominant weather patterns in mid-latitude North American from 70,000 to 55,000 years ago. The large ice sheet covering the northeastern portion of the continent caused a strong high pressure system to persist above it, which drew Gulf of Mexico-sourced precipitation (red arrows) into the mid-continent and Wyoming (white star). The result was rainy summers during this time, and possibly drier winters. Credit Erik Oerter Usage Restrictions All rights reserved. Editorial use only with credit to Erik Oerter. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.