Final answer:
Weather forecasts for cities on the West Coast were less reliable than those for cities in the Midwest before weather satellites existed due to the lack of accurate data.
Step-by-step explanation:
The difference in reliability between weather forecasts for cities on the West Coast and cities in the Midwest before weather satellites existed can be attributed to the lack of accurate data from the West Coast. Weather satellites provide valuable information about atmospheric conditions, including temperature, humidity, and cloud cover, which are essential for accurate weather forecasting. Without this data, forecasters had to rely on less precise methods, such as weather stations and weather balloons, which were not as widespread or as effective as satellites. As a result, weather forecasts for cities on the West Coast were not as reliable as those for cities in the Midwest.