What weather and climate are
Weather is the condition of the air now, and climate is the usual weather over many years.
Weather: the condition of the air at 1 place and time, such as temperature, rain, and wind. Climate: the average weather of a place over 30 years or more.
Weather changes fast. Climate is a pattern.
Why the weather changes
Air pressure: the push of the air on Earth's surface. Air mass: a large body of air with about the same temperature.
Try it
Sort 8 statements: weather or climate?
- Read the statement in the box.
- Ask: "Is the statement about a short time, or a pattern over many years?"
- Click Weather or Climate.
Read the statement. Then click Weather or Climate.
Quick check
Answer 5 questions. You see your score at the end.