Understanding Weather and Climate

Weather and Climate

• Weather describes the short-term conditions of the atmosphere.
• It includes temperature, precipitation, wind, and cloud cover.
• Weather changes daily.
• Climate describes the long-term average weather patterns in a particular area.
• Usually, climate is measured over at least 30 years.
• Climate considers elements like temperature, precipitation, and wind.

Objectives

• Explain weather, weather patterns, and climate concepts.
• Describe basic meteorological tools and their uses.
• Explain how understanding weather patterns affects daily life.

Meteorology

• Meteorologists are scientists who study weather and make predictions.
• They use tools and instruments to collect data on temperature, humidity, wind speed, and other weather elements.
• The collected information is used to understand and forecast weather patterns.

Weather Tools

• Thermometers measure temperature.
• Barometers measure air pressure.
• Anemometers measure wind speed.
• Weather satellites capture images to gather data on atmospheric conditions.

Weather Prediction

• Meteorologists combine past information, current observations, and computer models to predict future weather conditions.
• They evaluate patterns and trends in atmospheric conditions.
• These predictions impact decisions about activities and safety.

Factors Determining Weather

• Air Temperature: Higher temperatures lead to faster-moving air molecules and faster evaporation.
• Air Pressure: Determined by the weight of air molecules and density.
• Precipitation: Condensation of water vapor into larger droplets. Types include rain, snow, hail, and sleet.
• Wind: Air moving from high to low pressure. In the Philippines, winds typically come from the East-Northeast. Categorized as cool/moist, blowing over water bodies, vs. warm/dry, blowing over landmasses.
• Clouds: Indicate changes in weather.
  • High Clouds: Cirrus clouds-thin, wispy clouds made of ice crystals, often indicate good weather.
  • Mid-Level Clouds: Often white or gray clouds, indicating potential for rain.
  • Low Clouds: Indicate fair weather.
  • Cumulus clouds: Puffy, often white clouds, often associated with good weather.
  • Stratus clouds: Large, flat, and featureless clouds, often indicate rain or snow.
  • Nimbus clouds: Dark, heavy clouds that often signal thunderstorms and rain or snow.

Special Clouds

Special clouds indicate severe weather conditions.

Climate Zones

• Tropical Climate: Warm temperatures, high humidity, and rainfall, often featuring rainforests.
• Temperate Climate: Distinct seasons (warm summers, cool winters), moderate rainfall.
• Polar Climate: Very cold temperatures, long harsh winters, little daylight, low precipitation, covered in ice and snow.
• Dry/Desert Climate: Hot and dry, very little rainfall, extreme temperature fluctuations.

Four Seasons

• Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter.

Importance of Weather and Climate Knowledge

• Understanding weather helps us make decisions about daily activities (clothing, outdoor activities).
• Preparedness reduces risks associated with extreme weather conditions.
• Knowledge of weather and climate fosters responsible stewardship of the environment.
• It assists in agriculture (planting, irrigating, and harvesting).
• Important for understanding, preparing for, and protecting ourselves from weather events.

PAGASA

• PAGASA is the Philippines' weather and climate authority.