Weather Overview

Weather Changes Weather changes from day to day and from season to season. The weather may be warm and sunny on Monday and then cold and rainy by Wednesday. Weather changes dramatically from Summer to Winter.

Why Does the Weather Change From Season to Season? The weather changes from season to season because different areas of the Earth are tilted towards the sun. Some parts of the Earth get more direct sunlight at different times which causes warmer temperatures. Some parts get less direct sunlight which causes cooler temperatures.

The Effects of Sunlight Our weather is caused by two things: the sun and moisture in the air. These two things together can form clouds, make rain and thunderstorms, and cause winds to blow. Without the sun and moisture in the air, our earth would have no weather at all. In fact, there would be no people or plants either. (http://home.houston.rr.com/amandaswork/What_Causes_Weather.htm)

What is the Weather Like Each Season? Spring Summer Fall Winter

Spring (March, April, May) Warm Temperatures Ranging from 50s-70s (Some days may be cool, some may be warmer) Chances of rain and thunderstorms We usually wear t-shirts, long pants, or lighter clothing this time of year. Light jackets may be necessary.

Summer (June, July, August) Temperatures are HOT- usually in the 80s and 90s Chances of rain and thunderstorms We usually wear t-shirts, shorts, and lighter colored clothing to keep us cool this time of year.

Fall (September, October, November) Cooler Temperatures ranging from 50s-70s Leaves are changing and falling off of the trees Chances of rain and thunderstorms We usually wear light jackets, sweatshirts, and jeans. (Think football weather)

Winter (December, January, February) Cold Temperatures (40s, 30s, and possibly lower) Chances of Snow, Sleet, & Ice We bundle up this time of year in sweaters, coats, gloves, and scarves.

Weather Observations Temperature Air Pressure Humidity Wind Direction Wind Speed Precipitation

What is Temperature? Temperature is how hot or cold something is. We measure temperature using a thermometer. We measure temperature in degrees Fahrenheit or Celsius.

What does Air Pressure Tell Us? Air pressure tells us what the weather will be like. Low pressure= Cloudy & Stormy High pressure= Clear & Dry

It’s Getting Humid in Here Humidity is moisture in the air. When the air becomes saturated (contains as much vapor as possible) and continues to cool, water condenses into droplets and gives off a lot of heat in the process. (http://www.stuffintheair.com/explain-humidity.html)

Why do we Need to Know About Wind Direction and Wind Speed?

Wind Direction We need to know which way the wind is blowing so we can forecast what the weather in our area will be like. If we know where the weather is coming from, we will know what to expect.

Wind Speed This is how fast the wind is blowing. It is measured by an anemometer. Why would we need to know how fast the wind is blowing?

Precipitation Precipitation is water in the form of rain, sleet, snow, or hail that condenses in the atmosphere and falls from the sky.

Why do we need to know about the weather? Trivia Time Why do we need to know about the weather?

How do we measure the temperature?

How do we measure air pressure?

How do we measure humidity?

How do we measure wind speed and wind direction?

How do we measure precipitation?

What have you learned about weather?