Weather and Climate

What is Weather and Climate?

• Weather refers to the day-to-day conditions of the atmosphere, such as temperature, precipitation, wind, and humidity.
• Climate refers to the long-term patterns and trends in weather over a large area or region.

Factors Affecting Weather and Climate

• **Latitude**: The angle at which the sun's rays strike the Earth's surface, affecting temperature and precipitation.
• **Altitude**: Higher altitudes typically have lower temperatures and more precipitation.
• **Ocean Currents**: Warm and cold ocean currents can influence regional temperatures and precipitation patterns.
• **Atmospheric Circulation**: Global wind systems and air masses play a significant role in weather and climate.

Weather Elements

• **Temperature**: Measured in degrees Celsius (°C) or Fahrenheit (°F).
• **Precipitation**: Includes rain, snow, sleet, and hail, and is measured in millimeters (mm) or inches (in).
• **Humidity**: The amount of water vapor in the air, expressed as a percentage.
• **Wind**: The movement of air, measured in kilometers per hour (km/h) or miles per hour (mph).

Climate Types

• **Tropical**: Warm temperatures year-round, with high precipitation.
• **Temperate**: Distinct seasons, with moderate temperatures and precipitation.
• **Arid**: Dry conditions with low precipitation, often found in deserts.
• **Polar**: Extremely cold temperatures, with low precipitation and short summers.