During which seasons are prevailing SW and W winds most persistent on Lake Ontario?

The answer focuses on understanding seasonal wind patterns over Lake Ontario. Prevailing southwest and west winds are most persistent during the summer and winter seasons due to the greater temperature differences between the land and water. In summer, the land heats up more quickly than the lake, leading to thermal gradients that drive prevailing winds from the cooler water towards the warmer land. In contrast, during winter, the cold air masses can create a stable atmospheric condition, consequently maintaining consistent wind patterns from the southwest and west as well.

In this context, although other choices reference different combinations of seasons, they don't account for the broader climatic factors influencing wind behavior. The dynamics of both the summer heating and winter cooling contribute to this particular wind behavior, making the summer and winter seasons the correct answer.