What does a lower dew point typically indicate about a particular air mass?

A lower dew point typically indicates drier conditions in the atmosphere. The dew point is the temperature at which air becomes saturated with moisture, leading to the formation of dew. When the dew point is low, it signifies that there is less moisture in the air. This means that the air mass is lacking in water vapor, which is essential for processes like cloud formation and precipitation. In contrast, a high dew point suggests a more humid, moisture-rich atmosphere, which is conducive to cloud development and the potential for precipitation. Thus, when observing a lower dew point, one can infer that the air mass is relatively dry.