What's the difference between weather and climate?

Weather describes atmospheric conditions at a specific time and place—like today's temperature or whether it's raining. Climate describes long-term patterns over decades or centuries. Climate is what you expect; weather is what you get.

How are weather forecasts created?

Meteorologists collect data from weather stations, satellites, radar, and balloons. This information feeds into computer models that simulate atmospheric processes. Forecasters analyze model output and apply local knowledge to predict conditions.

What causes different types of precipitation?

Precipitation forms when water vapor condenses in clouds. Rain occurs when temperatures are above freezing throughout the atmosphere. Snow forms when temperatures stay below freezing. Sleet and freezing rain happen in complex temperature layers.

Weather Information

Understanding weather patterns, forecasts, and atmospheric phenomena that shape our daily lives.

Weather Information

Understanding weather patterns, forecasts, and atmospheric phenomena that shape our daily lives.

Weather affects everything we do—from what we wear to where we go, from travel plans to outdoor activities. This page provides educational information about weather patterns, forecasting, and the atmospheric conditions that create the weather we experience every day.

Weather is the state of the atmosphere at a particular place and time. It includes temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind, visibility, and other factors. Understanding weather helps us plan our days, prepare for severe conditions, and appreciate the natural forces around us [citation:5].

Meteorology is the scientific study of weather. Meteorologists observe atmospheric conditions, analyze data, and create forecasts that help communities prepare for everything from sunny days to severe storms. Modern forecasting combines satellite data, computer models, and historical patterns [citation:5].

Whether you're planning outdoor activities, curious about atmospheric science, or simply want to understand tomorrow's forecast better, this guide provides useful context about the weather that surrounds us.

Related Tools

Seasons — Learn about the four seasons and how they affect weather patterns throughout the year.
Calendar — Track seasonal changes and plan activities throughout the year with our digital calendar.
Planner — Organize your outdoor activities and weather-dependent plans with our daily planner.

Weather Questions

What's the difference between weather and climate?: Weather describes atmospheric conditions at a specific time and place—like today's temperature or whether it's raining. Climate describes long-term patterns over decades or centuries. Climate is what you expect; weather is what you get.
How are weather forecasts created?: Meteorologists collect data from weather stations, satellites, radar, and balloons. This information feeds into computer models that simulate atmospheric processes. Forecasters analyze model output and apply local knowledge to predict conditions.
What causes different types of precipitation?: Precipitation forms when water vapor condenses in clouds. Rain occurs when temperatures are above freezing throughout the atmosphere. Snow forms when temperatures stay below freezing. Sleet and freezing rain happen in complex temperature layers.

Understanding Weather Patterns

Weather patterns emerge from the interaction of air masses, ocean currents, and atmospheric pressure systems. High-pressure systems typically bring clear skies and calm conditions, while low-pressure systems often produce clouds, wind, and precipitation. Fronts—boundaries between different air masses—trigger many weather changes. Warm fronts bring gradual temperature increases and steady precipitation. Cold fronts arrive with sharper temperature drops and often produce intense but brief storms. Understanding these patterns helps explain why weather changes the way it does [citation:5].

Severe Weather Awareness

Severe weather includes thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards, and heat waves. Each type requires different preparation and safety measures. Thunderstorms can produce lightning, high winds, and flash flooding. Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air. Hurricanes are large storm systems with heavy rain and powerful winds. Understanding severe weather risks and having a plan helps keep you and your family safe when extreme conditions occur [citation:5].