Weather & Climate (HL IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS))

Weather & Climate

What is the difference between weather and climate?

• Weather refers to the current state of the atmosphere at a specific time and place

• Weather conditions can change rapidly (e.g. over just a few hours)

• This includes short-term variations in:

  • Temperature

  • Humidity

  • Cloud cover

  • Precipitation

  • Wind speed

  • Air pressure

  • Other atmospheric conditions

• Climate refers to the long-term average of weather conditions in a particular region or location

  • It describes the overall patterns, trends and variations in atmospheric factors (temperature, humidity etc.) over relatively long time periods

    • Climate is the average of these conditions over approximately 30 years or more

  • Climate is influenced by various factors such as solar radiation, atmospheric circulation patterns, ocean currents, land features and greenhouse gas concentrations

• Climate provides a broader perspective on long-term atmospheric behaviour

• Whereas, weather is more concerned with immediate atmospheric conditions and forecasts

• Understanding the difference between climate and weather is crucial for:

  • Analysing long-term climate trends

  • Predicting short-term weather events

  • Assessing the impacts of climate change on weather patterns