Elements of Weather and Climate Foundations of Meteorology

Weather vs. Climate Weather is the state of the atmosphere at a specific place and time. It is constantly changing! Example: It is partly cloudy and calm. Climate is the generalized conditions for a larger region over a longer period of time. NOTE: Not average – does not take extremes into account. Example: Summers in northern California are cool and damp.

Weather Elements There are five “elements” (things meteorologists measure) of weather. Temperature (most important) – how hot/cold; can alter the other elements Moisture – includes humidity, dew point, precipitation amount and type Pressure – force of the atmosphere; includes pressure and the pressure trend (changes over time) Wind – movement of the air; includes speed and direction Clouds – includes types, thickness, coverage, and sky phenomena (like rainbows, lightning, etc.)

Climate Elements The elements of climate are similar to the elements of weather, but vary in what they measure. Climatologists will be looking at long term trends, not specifics. For example, a meteorologist might look at the current temperature, while a climatologist examines how that temperature relates to the overall trend over the past several years or decades. Also, climatologists work with larger regions – the entire northeast as opposed to just South Jersey.

Weather Instruments Temperature – measured with a thermometer Moisture – measured with a hygrometer, a psychrometer, or rain/snow gauges Pressure – measured with a barometer Wind – measured with a anemometer and directional wind vane Clouds – measured with sight and lasers for thickness We also use advanced instruments like weather balloons, radar stations, and satellites to make observations.

Weather and Climate Instruments

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