The difference between weather and climate

Sunny weather in Hyde Park, London

You need to know the difference between the weather and the climate.

Weather is the conditions right here, right now. Look out of the window and you will see what the weather is like today. It might be sunny, hot, windy or cloudy, raining or snowing.

The weather takes into account the temperatureTemperature: Temperature is how hot or cold something is, for example the atmosphere or the sea. Use a thermometer to see how many degrees Celsius/centigrade it is above or below freezing point (0 degrees C) ., precipitation [precipitation: Precipitation is the term given to moisture that falls from the air to the ground. In the UK, the most common form of precipitation is rain, but snow, hail, sleet, drizzle, fog, and mist are also precipitation. ], humidityhumidity: Humidity is the amount of water vapour in the atmosphere. Air can only hold a certain amount of water before condensation and precipitation occurs. Humidity is measured as a percentage, relative to the saturation point where the air can hold no more water vapour (ie 100 % humidity). and atmospheric pressureatmospheric pressure: Atmospheric pressure is the weight of air resting on the Earth's surface. Pressure is shown on a weather map with lines called isobars. Low pressure occurs when air is warm and rises. High pressure occurs when air becomes colder and sinks., of the part of atmosphere (air) closest to the surface of the earth.

The weather is constantly changing as temperature and humidity change in the atmosphere. Landmasses, such as the British Isles, experience constantly changing weather conditions.

Climate is the average weather conditions - temperature, pressure, precipitation and humidity - expected for a certain place. Climate is based on the average weather experienced over 30 years or more.

Climate refers to what is expected to happen in the atmosphere rather than the actual conditions. So it is possible for the weather today to be different from that suggested by the climate.

• Climatic conditions in an area can be affected by the landscape, relief and activities (human and natural). Climate can alter over time and space.
• Within a climatic region, the climate may vary from place to place, eg the top of a hill, the sunny side of a hill, the shaded side of a hill and the bottom of a hill. These areas with their small variations are called microclimates.

The science of monitoring and studying the atmosphere and predicting its weather and climate is called meteorology. People who study the weather and climate are known as meteorologists