From which direction do gales most commonly blow on Lake Ontario during October to December?

The correct choice indicates that gales on Lake Ontario during the months of October to December predominantly come from the southwest to the northwest. This is consistent with typical wind patterns observed during the autumn and early winter months.

During this time, weather systems are often influenced by the transition from the warmer summer air to the cooler winter air, which can lead to the development of low-pressure areas. These systems tend to result in winds flowing from the southwest as they move across the lake, influenced by the larger atmospheric patterns and the geographical location of Lake Ontario.

Additionally, seasonal changes affect the temperature differential between land and water, which can generate wind patterns. The winds from the southwest can bring moisture-laden air, which contributes to the potential for storm formation as colder air masses move in. Understanding these wind patterns is crucial for navigation, weather preparation, and safety on the lake during this time.

Other options do not align with the typical wind behavior seen in this region during the specified months. For instance, winds coming from the northeast through east, southeast through southwest, or north through south would not account for the prevailing conditions driven by the atmospheric changes occurring during the transition from fall to winter.