Weather and Climate
1. What is Weather?
Weather is the day-to-day condition of the atmosphere at a particular place. It includes elements like temperature, humidity, wind speed, and precipitation. Weather can change quickly from one day to the next.
Example: If it rains today and the sun shines tomorrow, these are changes in the weather.
2. What is Climate?
Climate is the average weather conditions in a particular place over a long period, usually 30 years or more. It includes patterns of temperature, humidity, wind, and precipitation.
Example: A place where it is usually warm and sunny most of the year has a tropical climate.
3. Temperature
Temperature is a measure of how hot or cold it is. It is usually measured in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit. High temperatures make us feel hot, while low temperatures make us feel cold.
Example: In summer, the temperature can be as high as 35°C, making it very hot. In winter, it can drop to 0°C or below, making it very cold.
4. Humidity
Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air. High humidity makes the air feel damp and sticky, while low humidity makes the air feel dry.
Example: After a rain shower, the air feels very humid because there is a lot of water vapor in the air.
5. Wind
Wind is the movement of air from high-pressure areas to low-pressure areas. It can be gentle, like a breeze, or strong, like a gale. Wind affects how we feel the temperature and can carry clouds and rain.
Example: A gentle breeze can make a hot day feel cooler, while a strong wind can blow leaves and dust around.
6. Precipitation
Precipitation is any form of water that falls from the sky, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail. It is an important part of the water cycle and provides water for plants and animals.
Example: Rain is the most common form of precipitation. Snow falls in cold climates, and hail can occur during thunderstorms.
7. Seasons
Seasons are the result of the Earth's tilt and its orbit around the Sun. They cause changes in temperature and daylight hours. There are four main seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
Example: In summer, the days are long and hot. In winter, the days are short and cold.
8. Weather Instruments
Weather instruments help us measure different elements of the weather. For example, a thermometer measures temperature, a barometer measures air pressure, and a rain gauge measures precipitation.
Example: A thermometer can tell us if it is getting warmer or colder outside.
9. Climate Change
Climate change refers to long-term changes in the Earth's climate, including global warming. Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, are contributing to climate change by increasing the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Example: Rising global temperatures are causing glaciers to melt and sea levels to rise.