People are always interested in weather. The conditions of the weather and the variations which may occur within a short period of time, are influential in the planning of our daily activities. We listen to the weather forecast to determine what type of clothing is appropriate, if we will carry out our travel plans or if they will have to be delayed, or if the weather will disrupt our favorite sports or recreational pursuits. An unexpected decrease in the temperature can be responsible for the destruction of the farmers crops, while the lack of precipitation can bring drought and famine to some regions of the earth while torrential rains can produce floods.
Weather is the condition of the air over a short period. The temperature of the air, the wind, and the amount of moisture in the air are the most important components of weather. The type of weather we will experience is determined by these and other factors. Meteorology is the scientific study of the earth’s atmosphere. It includes the physical and synoptic study of weather conditions. Physical meteorology involves the study of the visual, electrical, and other physical conditions of the atmosphere while synoptic meteorology is concerned with the daily changes in weather conditions. Meteorologists are the scientists who study weather. Through the use of satellites and radar, they endeavor to provide the public with an accurate forecast of current and future weather conditions. Forecasting accuracy has been reliable out to about five days relative to certain weather patterns.
Climate relates to the annual or long term weather conditions in an area. Precipitation and temperature are two factors which help to determine the climate of an area. The climate of a region affects the lives of people, and determines what type plants and animals inhabit a region. Climate is measured by statistical data while weather is measured using various instruments such as the barometer, thermometer, rain gauges, and so on. Climatologists study the interaction of the climate with the lives of individuals and endeavor to determine what future changes will occur in the climate and what impact certain factors, such as human activity, will have on the climates of the world.