Final answer:
Cold air masses in winter affect regions like northern Russia due to Arctic air, South Asia due to the winter monsoon, and Antarctica because of the polar vortex. Coastal Norway experiences milder winters due to ocean currents.
Step-by-step explanation:
Regions that get cold air masses in winter include areas in high latitudes and those influenced by landmass characteristics and ocean currents. For example, northern Russia experiences frigid winter conditions due to cold air masses sweeping south from the Arctic. Similarly, the winter monsoon in South Asia brings cool, dry winds from the north, causing a dry season, while certain regions like Sri Lanka receive rain due to winds picking up moisture from the Bay of Bengal. Coastal areas like Norway have milder winters due to moderating effects of the Mediterranean Sea to the south and proximity to ocean currents. Antarctica remains exceptionally cold because of the polar vortex, which keeps air masses contained and prevents mixing with warmer global air.