Weather refers to the short-term atmospheric conditions in a specific area. It includes elements such as temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind speed, and cloud cover.
Weather is primarily caused by the uneven heating of the Earth's surface by the sun, which creates differences in air pressure and leads to the movement of air masses. Other factors such as the Earth's rotation, proximity to large bodies of water, and topography also influence local weather patterns.
Climate refers to the long-term average of weather conditions in a particular area. It takes into account the patterns and variations of temperature, precipitation, humidity, and other atmospheric variables over an extended period, typically 30 years or more.
Several factors influence climate, including latitude, altitude, proximity to large bodies of water, ocean currents, prevailing winds, and topography. Human activities such as deforestation and the burning of fossil fuels also contribute to changes in climate patterns.
Weather | Climate |
---|---|
Short-term atmospheric conditions | Long-term average of weather patterns |
Changes frequently | Changes over decades or centuries |
Impacts daily activities | Influences the type of vegetation and wildlife in a region |
Climate change, primarily driven by human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, has led to rising global temperatures, melting ice caps, changes in precipitation patterns, and more frequent extreme weather events such as hurricanes and heatwaves. It also poses significant risks to ecosystems, agriculture, and human health.