weather introduction essay

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Essay on weather and climate: top 6 essays | climatology | geography.

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Here is a compilation of essays on ‘Weather and Climate’ for class 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10. Find paragraphs, long and short essays on ‘Weather and Climate’ especially written for school students.

Essay on Weather and Climate

Essay Contents:

• Essay on Variation in Climate and Weather

Essay # 1. Meaning of Weather and Climate:

Weather is the day-to-day state of atmosphere and pertains to short term changes in conditions of heat, moisture and air movement. Weather results from processes that attempt to equalise the differences in the distribution of net radiant energy from sun. In other words, the instantaneous state of atmosphere can be called as weather. It is usually expressed as fine, fair, foggy, cloudy, rainy, sunny or windy weather.

The process of exchange of heat and moisture between earth and atmosphere over a long period of time (month, season, and year) related to large areas (zone, state, country, continent) results in conditions what we call climate.

It is aggregate of atmospheric conditions involving heat, moisture and air movement. In other words, the totality of weather over a large area is known as climate. It is expressed as marine, continental, arid, semiarid, humid or desert climate.

ADVERTISEMENTS: (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Essay # 2. Elements of Weather and Climate :

Weather refers to the sum total of the atmos­pheric conditions in terms of temperature, pressure, wind, moisture, cloudiness, precipitation and visibility of a particular place at any given time. In fact, weather denotes short-term variations of atmospheric condi­tions and it is highly variable.

On the other hand, climate is defined as aggregate weather conditions of any region in long-term perspective. According to Trewartha ‘climate represents a composite of day to day weather conditions, and of the atmospheric ele­ments, within a specified area over a long period of time.’ According to Critchfield ‘climate is more than a statistical average; it is the aggregate of atmospheric conditions involving heat, moisture, and air move­ment. Extremes must always be considered in any climatic description in addition to means, trends, and probabilities.’

According to Koeppen and De Long ‘climate is a summary, a composite of weather condi­tions over a long period of time; truly portrayed, it includes details of variations-extremes, frequencies, sequences-of the weather elements which occur from year to year, particularly in temperature and precipita­tion. Climate is the aggregate of the weather.’

G.F. Taylor has maintained that ‘climate is the integration of weather, and weather is the differentiation of cli­mate. The distinction between weather and climate is, therefore, mainly one of time.’ Temperature, pressure, wind, humidity, precipitation, cloudiness etc. are ele­ments of weather and climate.

ADVERTISEMENTS: (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Essay # 3. Importance of Weather and Climate :

Weather and climate are the most pervasive factors of crop environment.

Knowledge of agrometeorology is useful in several aspects of practical agriculture as indicated below:

1. It has practical utility in timing of agricultural operations so as to make the best use of favourable weather conditions and make adjustments for adverse weather.

2. The dangers of crop production due to pest and disease incidence, occurrence of prolonged drought, soil erosion, frost and weather hazards can be minimised.

3. Weather support also provides guidelines for long range or seasonal planning of crops and cultivars most suited to anticipated climatic conditions.

4. Agrometeorological information can be used in land use planning, risk analysis of climatic hazards, production and harvest forecasts and linking similar crop environments for crop adaptability and productivity.

Weather Elements :

Weather is a phase of climate representing atmospheric condition at a given place and at a given instant of time as against climate, representing atmospheric condition for longer period of time over a larger area.

Components of weather and climate or simply weather elements include:

a. Temperature.

b. Solar radiation.

c. Humidity.

e. Pressure.

g. Precipitation.

The influence of weather and climate on crop growth and development and final yield is complicated by complexity of interactions associated with crops and the environment during the crop season.

The influence of weather and climate on crop productivity can be summarised as indicated below:

Weather parameters with favourable influence :

1. Weather and climate are the important factors to determining the success or failure of agriculture.

2. All the agricultural operations from sowing to harvest of crops depend on the mercy of weather.

3. Climate determines suitability of a crop to a particular region while weather plays a major role in the productivity of a crop in the region.

4. The excess or shortage of elements of weather and climate exerts a negative influence on crop growth, development and final yield.

5. The effect of weather and climate is complex as elements of climate operate simultaneously in nature.

6. Due to complexity of environment in which a crop is grown, it is difficult to assign an, optimum value of a climatic element for maximum crop productivity.

Weather parameters with negative influence :

1. Excessive and untimely rains.

2. Scanty rains with prolonged dry spells.

3. Heat and cold waves.

4. Dust-storms, thunderstorms and hailstorms.

5. High winds.

Weather variables having both positive and negative effects on crop productivity :

1. Solar radiation (UV, light and infrared).

2. Temperature (air and soil).

3. Humidity,

5. Precipitation.

Essay # 4. Difference between Weather and Climate:

The differences between weather and climate are:

1. Pertains to the day-to-day state of the atmosphere at a particular place.

2. Refers to specific instant of time and place.

3. It is always changing and differs from time to time.

1. Pertains to the atmosphere over a given region,

2. Refers to a large region and for a long period of time.

3. It is more or less stable and differs from region to region.

Essay # 5. Factors Controlling Weather and Climate :

Geographical factors influencing weather and climate are referred to as climatic controls .

a. Latitude.

b. Altitude.

c. Land and water bodies.

d. Mountains.

e. Topography.

The distance from the equator (latitude), either from south or north, largely creates variation in climate. Based on latitude, the climate has been classified as tropical, subtropical, temperate and polar climates. The height from mean sea level (altitude/elevation) adds to variation in climate.

Temperature and pressure decreases with increasing height from mean sea level. Based on altitude, the climate is described as mountainous and valley/plateau climates. Nearness to large bodies of water also causes variation in climate. The climates are referred to as continental and maritime.

Instruments for Measuring Weather Parameters :

Different instruments are used for measuring weather parameters in observatories and laboratories. Depending on the level of accuracy required and the cost, instruments are used for recording the weather data.

Irrespective of whether it is an observatory or a lab. Table 2.1 gives a list or of instruments and weather parameter measured:

Essay # 6. Variation in Climate and Weather :

Climatic parameters are determined, primarily, by geographic factors such as:

1. Latitude.

2. Altitude.

3. Distance from large water bodies.

4. Ocean currents.

5. Intensity of wind.

All the above climatic parameters influence the wind. Three geographic factors—altitude, latitude and longitude are important for crop production. These are embodied in Hopkin Bioclimatic Law. It states that crop production activities (planting to harvest) and specific morphological developments are delayed by 4 days for each 1° latitude, 5° longitude and 12 m (40 ft) of altitude as one move northward and upward, respectively.

Intensity, velocity and direction of wind vary with three geographic factors leading to variation in climate and weather.

Geographic surface features such as large bodies of water and mountain ranges modify the wind characteristics and hence the meteorological parameters. A mountain range in the path of prevailing wind creates moist conditions on the windward side and dry conditions on the leeward side. Air cools adiabatically to the dew point as it rises up the mountains.

The air that is forced upward by the mountain range loses its moisture and becomes a dry mass when it goes over the top. This is called the orographic effect (relief effect), which is different from the usual rainfall without mountains. Topography influences weather and microclimate through variation in temperature and wind.

Water is normally warmer than the surrounding land. When wind blows over a large body of water, it picks up moisture, thus creating a more moderate leeward condition. The leeward side of the body of water is subjected to less temperature fluctuations (relatively stable weather) compared to windward side. Windward side is suitable for drought tolerant crops and leeward side to relatively drought sensitive crops. North facing and south facing slopes may differ in climate and natural vegetation. These sites differ in crops that can be grown.

World climate is not static but is subjected to changes caused by factors such as systematic changes in solar activity, sea level, atmospheric carbon dioxide and continental drift. Continental drift gradually changes the latitudinal position of the land masses and the sea level. Volcanic explosions discharge large amounts of dust and gases into the atmosphere. This may cause a decline in temperature (reverse of greenhouse effect).

Accumulation of greenhouse gases is responsible for global warming (gradual increasing trend in global average temperature largely due to greenhouse effect). In spite of technological advances in modern crop production, crop production is still subject to the vagaries of the weather that are manifested in three main ways— moisture stress, temperature stress and natural disasters.

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Student Essays

Essay on Weather [ Types, Importance in Life ]

Weather is the state of the atmosphere at a particular place and time. It includes temperature, humidity, precipitation, cloudiness, visibility, and pressure. The following Essay on Weather talks about its meaning and concept, types and how weather is important for us.

Essay on Weather | Types of Weather | Weather vs Climate

Weather is one of the most important aspects of our lives. It can have a huge impact on our mood, our health, and even our ability to function properly during the day. That’s why it’s so important to understand the different types of weather and how they can affect us.

Types of Weather

There are four main types of weather: sunny, cloudy, rainy, and snowy. Each type of weather has its own set of benefits and drawbacks.

Sunny: Sunny weather is great for outdoor activities and spending time in the sun. However, it can also be very hot and dry, which can be dangerous for people with certain medical conditions.

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Cloudy: Cloudy weather is cooler than sunny weather, but it can also be more humid. This type of weather is good for people who don’t like the heat but don’t want to deal with the cold.

Rainy: Rainy weather is perfect for activities that involve water, such as swimming or fishing. However, it can also be very muddy and wet, which can make it difficult to get around.

Snowy: Snowy weather is great for winter activities like skiing and sledding. However, it can also be very cold and dangerous for people who are not used to the cold weather.

Weather vs Climate:

Weather is the day-to-day condition of the atmosphere in a particular place, while climate is the average weather conditions in that place over a long period of time. Climate varies from place to place around the world. The climate in a tropical rainforest is very different from the climate in a desert.

Importance of Climate

Climate is important because it determines the types of plants and animals that can live in a particular place. For example, tropical rainforests have a very different climate from deserts. This means that different types of plants and animals can live in each environment.

Changes in Climate:

Climate change is a long-term shift in the average conditions of the atmosphere over a large area. Climate change could refer to a particular location or the planet as a whole. Climate change has been happening for millions of years, but it is only recently that humans have begun to impact the climate on a global scale.

Steps that we can take to Promote Healthy Weather

There are many things we can do to help promote healthy weather. Some of these steps include:

1. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by using less energy and switching to renewable sources of energy 2. Protecting and restoring forests, which play a vital role in regulating the climate 3. Improving agricultural practices to reduce methane emissions from livestock 4. Conserving water to reduce the amount of energy needed to pump and treat it

Weather is an important part of our lives and can have a big impact on our mood, health, and ability to function properly. There are four main types of weather: sunny, cloudy, rainy, and snowy. Each type of weather has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Climate is important because it determines the types of plants and animals that can live in a particular place.

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Climate change is a long-term shift in the average conditions of the atmosphere over a large area. There are many things we can do to help promote healthy weather, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting and restoring forests, and improving agricultural practices.

Short Essay on Weather For Students:

Weather is the state of the atmosphere at a specific time and place. It includes various elements such as temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind, and air pressure. Weather plays an important role in our daily lives as it affects our activities and influences our mood.

Importance of Weather

Weather has a significant impact on human life. It affects agriculture, transportation, tourism, health, and even the economy. Farmers rely on weather conditions for their crops to grow while tourists plan their trips based on favorable weather conditions. Weather also has an effect on mental health as certain weather patterns can lead to seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Factors Affecting Weather

The main factors that influence the weather are latitude, altitude, topography, and global air circulation patterns. Latitude determines the amount of sunlight received, while altitude affects temperature and precipitation. The shape of the land and presence of water bodies can also affect weather patterns.

Weather conditions can vary greatly depending on geographical location and time of year. Some common types of weather include sunny, cloudy, rainy, snowy, windy, hot, cold, and humid.

Sunny Weather

Sunny weather is characterized by clear skies with abundant sunshine. It usually occurs when high pressure systems dominate the area.

Cloudy Weather

Cloudy weather refers to a condition where the sky is covered with clouds blocking out the sun’s rays. This type of weather often occurs during low-pressure systems.

Rainy Weather

Rainy weather is characterized by precipitation in the form of rain. It can be caused by warm air rising and condensing into water droplets, which then fall to the ground.

Snowy Weather

Snowy weather occurs when temperatures are low enough for precipitation to freeze and fall as snow. This type of weather often brings hazardous driving conditions and can lead to school or work closures.

Windy Weather

Windy weather refers to a condition where there is a strong movement of air. It can be caused by differences in air pressure between two areas or by geographical features such as mountains.

Hot Weather

Hot weather is characterized by high temperatures and humidity levels. It can cause heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke and dehydration if precautions are not taken.

Cold Weather

Cold weather is characterized by low temperatures and can bring about freezing conditions, which can be dangerous for both humans and animals.

Humid Weather

Humid weather refers to a condition where there is a high level of water vapor in the air. It can make hot or cold temperatures feel even more extreme and uncomfortable.

Weather affects our lives in many ways, from influencing our daily activities to shaping our emotions. Understanding the different types of weather and the factors that influence them can help us better prepare for any changes in the forecast. As we continue to face the impacts of climate change, it becomes even more important to pay attention to the weather and take necessary precautions to protect ourselves and our environment.

How do you write a weather essay?

A weather essay typically begins with an introduction about the significance of weather, followed by a description of different weather phenomena, their impact on daily life, and any relevant data or statistics. It should also include personal observations or experiences related to weather and conclude with a summary or reflection.

What is weather in 100 words?

Weather refers to the atmospheric conditions in a specific place and time. It encompasses elements such as temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, cloud cover, and precipitation. Weather can change rapidly and has a profound impact on daily life, agriculture, transportation, and various industries.

It is observed and forecasted by meteorologists using tools like weather stations, satellites, and computer models. Understanding and predicting weather is essential for planning outdoor activities, preparing for extreme conditions, and mitigating the effects of severe weather events like storms, hurricanes, and droughts.

What is weather in short notes?

Weather refers to the state of the atmosphere in a particular place at a specific time. It includes elements like temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, cloud cover, and precipitation. Weather conditions can vary from day to day and even within hours.

Meteorologists study and forecast weather using various instruments and technology to provide information for planning activities, predicting severe weather events, and understanding climate patterns over time.

How do you start a weather paragraph?

A weather paragraph can begin by describing the current weather conditions in a specific location or by introducing the topic of weather in a broader sense. You can use attention-grabbing phrases or statistics to engage the reader’s interest.

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Essay on Weather

Students are often asked to write an essay on Weather in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Weather

Introduction.

Weather is the day-to-day condition of our atmosphere. It includes factors like temperature, humidity, wind, and rainfall.

Types of Weather

Weather varies greatly around the world. It can be sunny, rainy, snowy, or windy. Each type of weather has its own features and effects.

Importance of Weather

Weather is important for many reasons. It affects our daily activities, health, and agriculture. We need to understand and predict it for safety and planning.

In conclusion, weather plays a significant role in our lives. It is a fascinating and complex natural phenomenon.

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250 Words Essay on Weather

Weather is an integral part of our daily lives, influencing our activities, moods, and overall wellbeing. It is the state of the atmosphere at a specific time and place, characterized by parameters like temperature, humidity, wind velocity, and atmospheric pressure.

The Science of Weather

The science behind weather, meteorology, is a complex discipline that studies atmospheric phenomena. The sun plays a crucial role in weather formation, as it heats the Earth’s surface unevenly, creating temperature differences. These temperature variations lead to air movements that we perceive as wind. Furthermore, the Earth’s rotation and topography also contribute to the intricacy of weather patterns.

Weather and Climate

It’s essential to distinguish between weather and climate. While weather describes short-term atmospheric conditions, climate represents the average weather conditions over a longer period, typically 30 years. This distinction is vital in understanding global issues like climate change, which refers to long-term shifts in climate patterns, rather than daily weather fluctuations.

Weather Forecasting

Weather forecasting, a practical application of meteorology, has evolved significantly over the years. Today, meteorologists use sophisticated technology like satellites, radars, and computer models to predict weather patterns. These forecasts are not only crucial for daily planning but also for mitigating potential disasters.

In conclusion, weather is a dynamic and complex system that impacts our lives in myriad ways. Understanding its mechanisms and implications helps us not only in our daily lives but also in addressing broader environmental issues. As we advance technologically, our ability to predict and respond to weather changes will continue to improve.

500 Words Essay on Weather

Weather is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that influences every aspect of our lives. It is the state of the atmosphere at a particular place and time, characterized by parameters such as temperature, humidity, wind velocity, and atmospheric pressure. The study of weather, known as meteorology, is a crucial branch of Earth sciences, providing essential insights into our planet’s climatic patterns and their impact on the environment and human societies.

The Science Behind Weather

Weather results from the Earth’s atmosphere’s thermodynamic processes, primarily driven by the sun’s energy. The sun heats the Earth unevenly, creating temperature differences that lead to air movement, or wind. The Earth’s rotation, known as the Coriolis effect, further influences this wind, causing it to curve, which contributes to the formation of weather patterns.

Water vapor, a key player in weather formation, can condense into clouds, leading to precipitation when the particles become too large to remain airborne. The interaction of these factors, along with topographical features like mountains and bodies of water, result in the diverse weather phenomena we experience.

Weather forecasting, an application of meteorology, has seen significant advancements over the years. It involves predicting atmospheric conditions at a future time and location. Modern meteorologists use sophisticated equipment like weather satellites, radars, and supercomputers to generate accurate forecasts. These predictions are not only critical for daily planning but also for preventing disasters, aiding agriculture, and informing policy decisions related to climate change.

Impact of Weather on Human Life

Weather significantly influences human activities and well-being. Favorable weather conditions are essential for agriculture, as crops require specific temperature and rainfall patterns to thrive. Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts, can cause immense destruction and loss of life.

Moreover, weather plays a pivotal role in our health. Cold weather can exacerbate conditions like arthritis, while heatwaves can lead to heat stroke. Seasonal changes also affect mental health, with conditions like Seasonal Affective Disorder being linked to weather patterns.

Climate Change and Weather

The ongoing climate change, largely driven by human activities, is altering global weather patterns. Rising temperatures are expected to intensify extreme weather events, making hurricanes more powerful and heatwaves more frequent. This underscores the urgent need for effective climate policies to mitigate these changes and adapt to a warmer world.

In conclusion, weather is an intricate and vital aspect of our world, intricately linked with our daily lives and the broader environment. Understanding its mechanisms, predicting its patterns, and studying its impacts is crucial, especially in the face of climate change. As we continue to advance in our knowledge and technology, our relationship with weather will undoubtedly evolve, underscoring the importance of ongoing research and education in this field.

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What Is Weather?

Storm clouds fill the sky above the grassy plains. Credit: UCAR

Rain and dull clouds, windy blue skies, cold snow, and sticky heat are very different conditions, yet they are all weather.

Weather is the mix of events that happen each day in our atmosphere. Weather is different in different parts of the world and changes over minutes, hours, days and weeks. Most weather happens in the troposphere, the part of Earth’s atmosphere that is closest to the ground.

Air Pressure and Weather

The weather events happening in an area are controlled by changes in air pressure. Air pressure is caused by the weight of the huge numbers of air molecules that make up the atmosphere. Typically, when air pressure is high their skies are clear and blue. The high pressure causes air to flow down and fan out when it gets near the ground, preventing clouds from forming. When air pressure is low, air flows together and then upward where it converges, rising, cooling, and forming clouds. Remember to bring an umbrella with you on low pressure days because those clouds might cause rain or other types of precipitation.

Predicting Weather

Meteorologists develop local or regional weather forecasts including predictions for several days into the future. The best forecasts take into account the weather events that are happening over a broad region. Knowing where storms are now can help forecasters predict where storms will be tomorrow and the next day. Technology, such as weather satellites and Doppler radar, helps the process of looking over a large area, as does the network of weather observations.

The chaotic nature of the atmosphere means that it will probably always be impossible to predict the weather more than two weeks ahead; however, new technologies combined with more traditional methods are allowing forecasters to develop better and more complete forecasts.

Weather and Climate

The average weather pattern in a place over several decades is called climate. Different regions have different regional climates. For example, the climate of Antarctica is quite different than the climate of a tropical island. Global climate refers to the average of all regional climates.

 As global climate changes, weather patterns are expected to change as well. While it is impossible to say whether a particular day’s weather was affected by climate change, it is possible to predict how patterns might change. For example, scientists predict more severe weather events as climate warms. Also, they predict more hot summer days and fewer extreme cold winter days. That doesn’t mean that there will be no more winter weather, in fact, large snowstorms might even be more likely in some areas as less cold air is able to carry more water with which to make snowflakes.

Weather is also affected by climate events like El Nino and La Nina (together known as ENSO). Climate events like these affect the weather in many areas of the world causing extreme events like storms and droughts.  

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One of the first things you probably do every morning is look out the window to see what the weather is like

Biology, Ecology, Earth Science, Meteorology, Geography, Physical Geography

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One of the first things you probably do every morning is look out the window to see what the weather is like. Looking outside and listening to the day’s forecast helps you decide what clothes you will wear and maybe even what you will do throughout the day. If you don’t have school and the weather looks sunny, you might visit the zoo or go on a picnic. A rainy day might make you think about visiting a museum or staying home to read. The weather affects us in many ways. Day-to-day changes in weather can influence how we feel and the way we look at the world. Severe weather , such as tornadoes , hurricanes , and blizzards , can disrupt many people’s lives because of the destruction they cause. The term “ weather ” refers to the temporary conditions of the atmosphere , the layer of air that surrounds the Earth. We usually think of weather in terms of the state of the atmosphere in our own part of the world. But weather works like dropping a pebble in water—the ripples eventually affect water far away from where the pebble was dropped. The same happens with weather around the globe. Weather in your region will eventually affect the weather hundreds or thousands of kilometers away. For example, a snowstorm around Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, might eventually reach Chicago, Illinois, as it moves southeast through the U.S. Weather doesn’t just stay in one place. It moves, and changes from hour to hour or day to day. Over many years, certain conditions become familiar weather in an area. The av erage weather in a specific region, as well as its variations and extremes over many years, is called climate . For example, the city of Las Vegas in the U.S. state of Nevada is gen erally dry and hot. Honolulu, the capital of the U.S. state of Hawaii, is also hot, but much more humid and rainy. Climate changes, just like weather . However, climate change can take hundreds or even thousands of years. Today, the Sahara Desert in northern Africa is the largest desert in the world. However, sev eral thousand years ago, the climate in the Sahara was quite different. This “ Green Sahara ” experienced frequent rainy weather . What Makes Weather There are six main components , or parts, of weather . They are temperature , atmospheric pressure , wind , humidity , precipitation , and cloudiness . Together, these components describe the weather at any given time. These changing components , along with the knowledge of atmospheric processes, help meteorologists —scientists who study weather — forecast what the weather will be in the near future. Temp erature is measured with a thermometer and refers to how hot or cold the atmosphere is. Meteorologists report temp erature two ways: in Celsius (C) and Fahrenheit (F). The United States uses the Fahrenheit system; in other parts of the world, Celsius is used. Almost all scientists measure temp erature using the Celsius scale . Temp erature is a relative measurement. An afternoon at 70 degrees Fahrenheit, for example, would seem cool after sev eral days of 95 degrees Fahrenheit, but it would seem warm after temp eratures around 32 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest weather usually happens near the poles , while the warmest weather usually happens near the Equator . Atmospheric pressure is the weight of the atmosphere overhead. Changes in atmospheric pressure signal shifts in the weather . A high-pressure system usually brings cool temp eratures and clear skies. A low-pressure system can bring warmer weather , storms, and rain. Meteorologists express atmospheric pressure in a unit of measurement called an atmosphere . Atmospheres are measured in millibars or inches of mercury . Av erage atmospheric pressure at sea level is about one atmosphere (about 1,013 millibars , or 29.9 inches). An av erage low-pressure system , or cyclone , measures about 995 millibars (29.4 inches). A typical high-pressure system , or anticyclone , usually reaches 1,030 millibars (30.4 inches). The word “ cyclone ” refers to air that rotates in a circle, like a wheel. Atmospheric pressure changes with < altitude . The atmospheric pressure is much lower at high altitudes . The air pressure on top of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania—which is 5,895 meters (19,344 feet) tall—is 40 percent of the air pressure at sea level . The weather is much colder. The weather at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro is tropical , but the top of the mountain has ice and snow. Wind is the movement of air. Wind forms because of differences in temp erature and atmospheric pressure between nearby regions. Winds tend to blow from areas of high pressure, where it’s colder, to areas of low pressure, where it’s warmer. In the upper atmosphere , strong, fast winds called jet streams occur at altitudes of 8 to 15 kilometers (5 to 9 miles) above the Earth. They usually blow from about 129 to 225 kilometers per hour (80 to 140 miles per hour), but they can reach more than 443 kilometers per hour (275 miles per hour). These upper- atmosphere winds help push weather systems around the globe.

Wind can be influenced by human activity. Chicago, Illinois, is nicknamed the “ Windy City .” After the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 destroyed the city, city planners rebuilt it using a grid system. This created wind tunnels . Winds are forced into narrow channels, picking up speed and strength. The Windy City is a result of natural and manmade winds . Humidity refers to the amount of water vapor in the air. Water vapor is a gas in the atmosphere that helps make clouds , rain, or snow. Humidity is usually expressed as relative humidity , or the percentage of the maximum amount of water air can hold at a given temp erature . Cool air holds less water than warm air. At a relative humidity of 100 percent, air is said to be saturated , meaning the air cannot hold any more water vapor . Excess water vapor will fall as precipitation . Clouds and precipitation occur when air cools below its saturation point . This usually happens when warm, humid air cools as it rises. The most humid places on Earth are islands near the Equator . Singapore, for instance, is humid year-round. The warm air is continually saturated with water from the Indian Ocean. Clouds come in a variety of forms. Not all of them produce precipitation . Wispy cirrus clouds , for example, usually signal mild weather . Other kinds of clouds can bring rain or snow. A blanketlike cover of nimbostratus clouds produces steady, extended precipitation . Enormous cumulonimbus clouds , or thunderheads , release heavy downpours . Cumulonimbus clouds can produce thunderstorms and tornadoes as well. Clouds can affect the amount of sunlight reaching the Earth’s surface. Cloudy days are cooler than clear ones because clouds prevent more of the sun’s radiation from reaching the Earth’s surface. The opposite is true at night—then, clouds act as a blanket, keeping the Earth warm. Weather Systems Cloud patterns indicate the presence of weather systems , which produce most of the weather we are familiar with: rain, heat waves , cold snaps , humidity , and cloudiness . Weather systems are simply the movement of warm and cold air across the globe. These movements are known as low-pressure systems and high-pressure systems . High-pressure systems are rotating masses of cool, dry air. High-pressure systems keep moisture from rising into the atmosphere and forming clouds . Therefore, they are usually associated with clear skies. On the other hand, low-pressure systems are rotating masses of warm, moist air. They usually bring storms and high winds . High-pressure and low-pressure systems continually pass through the mid-latitudes, or areas of the Earth about halfway between the Equator and the poles , so weather there is constantly changing. A weather map is filled with symbols indicating different types of weather systems . Spirals, for instance, are cyclones or hurricanes , and thick lines are fronts . Cyclones have a spiral shape because they are composed of air that swirls in a circular pattern. A front is a narrow zone across which temp erature , humidity , and wind change abruptly. A front exists at the boundary between two air masses . An air mass is a large volume of air that is mostly the same temp erature and has mostly the same humidity . When a warm air mass moves into the place of a cold air mass , the boundary between them is called a warm front . On a weather map , a warm front is shown as a red band with half-circles pointing in the direction the air is moving. When a cold air mass takes the place of a warm air mass , the boundary between them is called a cold front . On a weather map , a cold front is shown as a blue band with triangles pointing in the direction the air is moving. A stationary front develops when warm air and cold air meet and the boundary between the two does not move. On a weather map , a stationary front is shown as alternating red half-circles and blue triangles, pointing in opposite directions. When a cold front overtakes a warm front , the new front is called an occluded front . On a weather map , an occluded front is shown as a purple band with half-circles and triangles pointing in the direction the air is moving. Cold fronts are able to overtake warm fronts because they move faster. History of Weather Forecasting Meteorology is the science of forecasting weather . Weather forecasting has been important to civilizations for thousands of years. Agriculture relies on accurate weather forecasting : when to plant , when to irrigate, when to harvest . Ancient cultures—from the Aztecs of Mesoamerica to the Egyptians in Africa and Indians in Asia—became expert astronomers and predictors of seasonal weather patterns.

In all of these cultures, weather forecasting became associated with religion and spirituality . Weather such as rain, drought , wind , and cloudiness were associated with a deity , or god. These deities were worshipped in order to ensure good weather . Rain gods and goddesses were particularly important, because rain influenced agriculture and construction projects. Tlaloc (Aztec), Set (Egyptian), and Indra (India), as well as Thor (Norse), Zeus (Greek), and Shango ( Yoruba ), are only some gods associated with rain, thunder , and lightning . Developments in the 17th and 18th centuries made weather forecasting more accurate . The 17th century saw the invention of the thermometer , which measures temp erature , and the barometer , which measures air pressure. In the 18th century, Sir Isaac Newton was able to explain the complex physics of gravity , motion, and thermodynamics . These principles guided the science of meteorology into the modern age. Scientists were able to predict the impact of high-pressure systems and low-pressure systems , as well as such weather events as storm surges , floods , and tornadoes . Since the late 1930s, one of the main tools for observing gen eral conditions of the atmosphere has been the radiosonde balloon, which sends information needed for forecasting back to Earth. Twice each day, radiosondes are released into the atmosphere from about a thousand locations around the world. The U.S. National Weather Service sends up radiosondes from more than 90 weather stations across the country. A weather station is simply a facility with tools and technology used to forecast the weather . Different types of thermometers , barometers , and anemometers , which measure wind speed, are found at weather stations . Weather stations may also have computer equipment that allows meteorologists to create detailed maps of weather patterns, and technology that allows them to launch weather balloons . Many weather stations are part of networks. These networks allow meteorologists from different regions and countries to share information on weather patterns and predictions. In the United States, the Citizen Weather Observer Program depends on amateur meteorologists with homemade weather stations and internet connections to provide forecasts across the United States. The Aircraft Meteorological Data Relay (AMDAR) also assists in gathering weather data directly from the atmosphere . AMDAR uses commercial aircraft to transmit information about the atmosphere as the planes fly through it. Weather balloons and AMDAR instruments gather information about temp erature , pressure, humidity , and wind from very high levels in the atmosphere . Meteorologists input the data to computers and use it to map atmospheric winds and jet streams . They often combine this with data about temp erature , humidity , and wind recorded at ground level. These complex weather maps using geographic information system (GIS) technology can calculate how weather systems are moving and predict how they might change. This type of forecasting is called synoptic forecasting . Synoptic forecasting is getting a gen eral idea of the weather over a large area. It relies on the fact that in certain atmospheric conditions, particular weather conditions are usually produced. For example, meteorologists know that a low-pressure system over the U.S. state of Arizona in winter will bring warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico toward Colorado. The high-pressure weather system of the Rocky Mountains drains the water vapor out of the air, resulting in rain. Meteorologists know that heavy snow may result when that warm air mass heads toward Colorado. Businesses, such as ski resorts , rely on such information. Transportation networks also rely on synoptic forecasting . If meteorologists knew more about how the atmosphere functions, they would be able to make more accurate forecasts from day to day or even from week to week. Making such forecasts , however, would require knowing the temp erature , atmospheric pressure , wind speed and direction, humidity , precipitation , and cloudiness at every point on the Earth. It is impossible for meteorologists to know all this, but they do have some tools that help them accurately forecast weather for a day or two in advance. But because the atmosphere is constantly changing, detailed forecasts for more than a week or two will never be possible. Weather is just too unpredictable . Weather Satellites A new era in weather forecasting began on April 1, 1960, when the first weather satellite , TIROS-1 , went into orbit . TIROS-1 , which stands for Television Infrared Observation Satellite, was launched by NASA from Cape Canav eral , Florida. TIROS-1 was mostly an orbiting television cam era , recording and sending back images. It gave meteorologists their first detailed look at clouds from above. With images from TIROS-1 , they could track hurricanes and other cyclones moving across the globe.

Since then, meteorologists have depended on weather satellites for the most up-to-date and reliable information on weather patterns. Some satellites have geostationary orbits , meaning they stay in the same spot and move at the speed the Earth rotates. Geostationary satellites track the weather over one region. Other satellites orbit the Earth every 12 hours. These satellites can trace weather patterns, such as hurricanes , over the entire part of the globe they orbit . Weather satellites can give more than just information about clouds and wind speeds. Satellites can see fires, volcanoes , city lights, dust storms , the effects of pollution , boundaries of ocean currents , and other environmental information. In 2010, the volcano Eyjafjallajokull , in Iceland, erupted. It sent millions of tons of gases and ash into the atmosphere . Weather satellites in orbit above Iceland tracked the ash cloud as it moved across western Europe. Meteorologists were able to warn airlines about the toxic cloud , which darkened the sky and would have made flying dangerous. Hundreds of flights were canceled. Radiosonde instruments are still more accurate than weather satellites . Satellites, however, can cover a larger area of the Earth. They also cover areas where there are no weather stations , like over the ocean. Satellite data have helped weather forecasts become more accurate , especially in the remote areas of the world that don’t have other ways to get information about the weather . Radar Radar is another major tool of weather observation and forecasting . It is used primarily to observe clouds and rain locally. One type of radar , called Doppler radar , is used at weather stations throughout the world. Doppler radar measures changes in wind speed and direction. It provides information within a radius of about 230 kilometers (143 miles). Conventional radar can only show existing clouds and precipitation . With Doppler radar , meteorologists are able to forecast when and where severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are developing. Doppler radar has made air travel safer. It lets air traffic controllers detect severe local conditions, such as microbursts . Microbursts are powerful winds that originate in thunderstorms . They are among the most dangerous weather phenomena a pilot can encounter. If an aircraft attempts to land or take off through a microburst , the suddenly changing wind conditions can cause the craft to lose lift and crash. In the United States alone, airline crashes because of microbursts have caused more than 600 deaths since 1964. Radar allowed meteorologists in the U.S. to track Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and predict the power of the storm with great accuracy. The National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center created sophisticated GIS maps using radar , satellite, and balloon data . They were able to predict the site of the storm’s landing, and the strength of the storm over a period of days. A full day before the storm made landfall near Buras, Louisiana, the National Hurricane Center released a public warning: “Some levees in greater New Orleans area could be overtopped.” The National Weather Service warned that the area around New Orleans, Louisiana, “would be uninhabitable for weeks, if not longer. Human suffering incredible by modern standards.” In fact, both of those forecasts were true. Levees in New Orleans were overtopped by the Mississippi River. Hundreds of homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses were destroyed. Many areas between New Orleans and Biloxi, Mississippi, were uninhabitable for weeks or months, and rebuilding efforts took years. More than a thousand people died. Making a Weather Forecast To produce a weather forecast for a particular area, meteorologists use a computer-gen erated forecast as a guide. They combine it with additional data from current satellite and radar images. They also rely on their own knowledge of weather processes. If you follow the weather closely, you, too, can make a reasonable forecast . Radar and satellite images showing precipitation and cloud cover are now common on television, online, and in the daily newspaper. In addition, you will probably see weather maps showing high- and low-pressure systems and fronts . In addition to bars representing different fronts , weather maps usually show isotherms and isobars . Isotherms are lines connecting areas of the same temp erature , and isobars connect regions of the same atmospheric pressure . Weather maps also include information about cloudiness , precipitation , and wind speed and direction. More Accurate Forecasts Although weather forecasts have become more reliable, there is still a need for greater accuracy. Better forecasts could save industries across the world many billions of dollars each year. Farmers and engineers , in particular, would benefit. Better frost predictions, for example, could save U.S. citrus growers millions of dollars each year. Citrus fruits such as oranges are very vuln erable to frost —they die in cold, wet weather . With more accurate frost forecasts , citrus farmers could plant when they know the new, tender seedlings wouldn’t be killed by frost . More accurate rain forecasts would enable farmers to plan timely irrigation schedules and avoid floods . Imperfect weather forecasts cause construction companies to lose both time and money. A construction foreman might call his crew in to work only to have it rain, when the crew can’t work. An unexpected cold spell could ruin a freshly poured concrete foundation . Outdoor activities, such as concerts or sporting events, could be planned with greater accuracy. Sports teams and musicians would not have to reschedule, and fans would not be inconvenienced . Power companies would also benefit from accurate forecasts . They adjust their systems when they expect extreme temp eratures , because people will use their furnaces and air conditioning more on these days. If the forecast predicts a hot, humid day and it turns out to be mild, the power company loses money. The extra electricity or gas it bought doesn’t get used. Small businesses, too, would benefit from a better forecast . An ice cream store owner, for example, could save her advertising funds for some time in the future if she knew the coming weekend was going to be cool and rainy. Responding to such needs, meteorologists are working to develop new tools and new methods that will improve their ability to forecast the weather .

Make Some Noise—Thunder Do you know what makes the noise you hear with thunder? Lightning. Lightning is very, very hot because it has so much energy. When lightning strikes, the molecules in the air expand very rapidly. The heated air creates a huge sound wave, which is thunder. To make your own thunder, you will need a paper lunch bag. Blow into the bag until it's filled with air. Quickly twist the top closed with one hand, and with the other hand, hit the bag. When you hit the bag, the air pressure increases very quickly. In fact, the air pressure breaks the bag. The air rushes outside the bag, creating a sound wave. When it reaches your ear, you hear a loud boom.

Red Sky in Morning . . . Before meteorologists were able to accurately predict weather, people noticed different characteristics associated with different weather patterns. They used these characteristics to predict the weather. Red sky in morning, sailors take warning/Red sky at night, sailors delight is a popular rhyme that attempts to predict the weather. In fact, its pretty accurate. Weather patterns usually move from west to east. Red sky in the morning (in the east, where the sun rises) indicates that the sun is reflecting off rainclouds, meaning the day will likely have rain (difficult weather for sailing.) Red sky at night (in the west, where the sun sets) indicates clear, calm weather (perfect weather for sailing). When windows won't open and salt clogs the shaker/Weather will favor the umbrella maker is another weather-predicting rhyme. When the air is humid, or full of water vapor, wood swells. It absorbs the water in the air. Salt also absorbs water in the surrounding air, forming large lumps. Wood-framed windows and salt in shakers become difficult to use. As the humid air reaches its saturation point, rain (and umbrellas) are likely to be seen.

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Weather Essay Examples

Analysis of the effect of weather conditions on people’s mood.

Weather is a short-term climate change. While it is sunny today, it can be rainy, even stormy the next day. There are a lot of weather conditions in the world and these conditions are considered to have some effects on people’s mood. Unlike some people...

Automatic and Wireless Weather Monitoring Equipment

The weather patterns and climate conditions are one of the most important factors which affect the quality of life and the activity of the mankind. The current means of meteorological data collection make use of some very expensive weather stations, leading to a lack of...

The Influence of Weather on World History

It is tempting, and often comforting, to think that humans control their fates. The decisions that people make in their daily lives can affect many things, and the course of their lives cumulatively reflects these many small decisions. On the other hand, people cannot control...

Weather Monitoring System: a Project Report

A weather monitoring system can be described as a device or a tool, which can provide us information related to weather like temperature (can be in both Celsius and Fahrenheit), humidity, Barometric pressure etc. from old times to modern age it’s important to get data...

Role of the Paris Agreement

The Paris agreement’s important aim is to fortify the intercontinental reaction to the ultimatum of revolutions in weather by way of giving an impetus to an international temperature upward push, this century properly below 2 tiers Celsius above pre-industrial degrees and to pursue many efforts...

There Isn’t Completely a Weather Crisis, But a Social One

Some people argue that global warming and the La Nina effect are the cause of severe weather here. They contribute to some devastation that places such as Jakarta face. However, the truth is that the extreme level of damage and deaths seen there are caused...

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