Final answer:
It is true that ocean currents along midlatitude west coasts are cool, which affects regional climates and weather patterns. The cold currents originating from higher latitudes bring lower temperatures to these regions, contributing to the overall moderate coastal climates.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ocean currents significantly influence the world's climate and consequently the temperature and precipitation patterns over extensive regions. It is true that ocean currents along midlatitude west coasts, even near deserts, are cool. This occurs because these currents typically originate in higher latitudes and move towards the equator, bringing colder water from the poles. These cooler currents, such as the California Current along the west coast of the United States, have important ecological impacts and moderate coastal climates, even near desert areas.
Not only do ocean currents have the ability to transport heat across great distances, but water's high specific heat capacity allows it to absorb and release heat slowly, leading to more moderate coastal climates. This explains why places like Western Europe experience milder temperatures than might be expected at similar latitudes elsewhere. The Gulf Stream, for example, is a warm current that plays a crucial role in maintaining the temperate climate of Western Europe.