Which part of the United States is known for summer thunderstorms and a continental steppe climate?

The Great Plains region of the United States is characterized by a continental steppe climate, which features hot summers and cold winters. This climate is conducive to the development of summer thunderstorms due to the significant temperature contrasts and the presence of moisture that can lead to convective weather patterns. The geography of the Great Plains, with its wide open spaces and relatively flat terrain, allows warm, moist air to rise and interact with cooler air aloft, resulting in thunderstorms particularly during the summer months.

The Great Plains stretch across several states, including parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Montana, making it a key area for this type of weather phenomenon. In contrast, other regions mentioned, like the Rocky Mountains, Coastal Plains, and Desert Southwest, exhibit different climatic conditions and weather patterns that do not align with the characteristics of summer thunderstorms found in the Great Plains.