University:
California State University, Northridge
Course:
GEOG 103 | Weather
Academic year:

2025
Views:

331

Pages:

2
Author:

Dixie Summers

Understanding Weather and Climate The primary difference between weather and climate lies in the time scales they encompass. Let’s break this down into clear points to understand the distinctions better. Definitions Weather: Weather refers to the short-term atmospheric conditions in a specific place at a specific time. Climate: Climate is the long-term average of weather patterns over a significant period, usually taken as 30 years or more, for a particular region. Detailed Breakdown Time Scale: Weather changes from hour to hour and day to day. Climate changes over longer periods, typically measured in decades, centuries, or even millions of years. Examples: Today's weather might be sunny with a temperature of 75°F. The climate of a region may be classified as temperate with an average temperature of 60°F in that same month over many years. Implications: Weather can influence daily activities and short-term decisions (e.g., whether to carry an umbrella). Climate affects long-term planning and policy (e.g., agricultural practices, infrastructure development). Conclusion The correct statement summarizing the primary difference between weather and climate is: Weather is short-term; climate is long-term. Further Exploration National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) NOAA Climate.gov National Weather Service Explanation