Weather Factors and Concepts

Definition: A measure of the average kinetic energy of molecules in the air, influencing weather and climate.
Measurement: Recorded using thermometers in degrees Celsius (°C) or Fahrenheit (°F).
Influencing Factors:
- Time of day: Higher during midday, lower at night.
- Season: Varies with seasons due to Earth's tilt.
- Geographic location: Proximity to water bodies, elevation, and latitude.

Definition: Any form of water, liquid or solid, that falls from the atmosphere.
Types:
- Rain: Liquid water droplets.
- Snow: Ice crystals that accumulate.
- Sleet: Ice pellets formed from freezing rain.
- Hail: Ice lumps formed in strong thunderstorms.
Measurement: Measured using a rain gauge in millimeters (mm) or inches.
Causes: Occurs when moisture condenses in the atmosphere and falls due to gravity.

Definition: The weight of the air above a surface area, influencing weather patterns.
Measurement: Measured using barometers in millibars (mb) or inches of mercury (inHg).
Key Concepts:
- High Pressure: Associated with clear, calm weather.
- Low Pressure: Often leads to cloudy and stormy conditions.
Variation Factors: Changes with altitude, temperature, and humidity.

Definition: The amount of water vapor present in the air.
Types:
- Absolute Humidity: Actual amount of water vapor.
- Relative Humidity: Percentage of water vapor relative to the maximum amount the air can hold at that temperature.
Measurement: Measured using hygrometers.
Effects:
- High Humidity: Can make temperatures feel warmer; contributes to precipitation.
- Low Humidity: Results in dry air conditions.

Definition: The rate at which air moves from high-pressure areas to low-pressure areas.
Measurement: Measured using anemometers, typically in miles per hour (mph) or kilometers per hour (km/h).
Factors Influencing Wind:
- Pressure Gradient: Steeper gradients result in stronger winds.
- Geography: Mountains and valleys can channel wind flow.
Impacts:
- Affects temperature perception (wind chill effect).
- Influences weather systems and storm development.

Measures average kinetic energy of air molecules, crucial for understanding weather and climate.
Recorded in degrees Celsius (°C) or Fahrenheit (°F) using thermometers.
Influenced by time of day, with peaks at midday and drops at night.
Seasonal variations result from Earth's axial tilt leading to temperature changes.
Geographic influences include proximity to oceans, elevation, and latitude affecting temperature ranges.

Encompasses all forms of water falling from the atmosphere, both liquid and solid.
Types include:
- Rain: Liquid droplets from clouds.
- Snow: Ice crystals that accumulate on surfaces.
- Sleet: Ice pellets formed during freezing rain events.
- Hail: Hard ice lumps created in severe thunderstorms.
Measured with rain gauges in millimeters (mm) or inches.
Occurs when atmospheric moisture condenses and falls due to gravitational force.

Represents the weight exerted by air above a specific area, playing a key role in weather phenomena.
Measured using barometers in millibars (mb) or inches of mercury (inHg).
High pressure correlates with clear, stable weather conditions.
Low pressure is typically associated with cloudy skies and stormy weather.
Variations influenced by altitude, temperature, and humidity levels.

Refers to the concentration of water vapor in the air, impacting weather and comfort levels.
Types include:
- Absolute Humidity: The actual volume of water vapor present.
- Relative Humidity: The ratio of current water vapor to the maximum possible at a given temperature.
Measurement tools include hygrometers for assessing moisture levels.
High humidity can create a warmer feel and promote precipitation, while low humidity leads to arid conditions.

Defined as the velocity of air moving from regions of high pressure to areas of low pressure.
Measured with anemometers, typically in miles per hour (mph) or kilometers per hour (km/h).
Wind speed is influenced by:
- Pressure gradients, with steeper differences yielding stronger winds.
- Geographic features such as mountains and valleys that affect wind direction and speed.
Wind impacts temperature perception (wind chill effect) and plays a significant role in weather patterns and storm formation.