Our
climate is changing more rapidly than ever before. How might that
affect the timing of seasonal events and the health and survival of
living things? Read on . . .
![](https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/journeynorth.org/images/graphics/weather/rain_world_metero_org_250.jpg)
It's important to understand the
difference between weather and climate
in order to understand the idea of climate change.
Photo: World Meteorological Org.
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Weather
or Climate?
It's important to understand the difference between weather and
climate in order to understand the idea of climate change. These
words don't mean the same thing, but many people think they do.
Weather
Weather is the state of the atmosphere at a given time. It is what’s
happening outside your window today, last week, or even next year.
You check the weather (e.g., wind, rain, temperature) to decide
what to wear for the day.
Climate
Climate refers to the average weather patterns in a region over
long periods of time (decades or more).
Climate describes the weather we usually expect where we live during
a particular season. Seattle has a mild rainy climate. Miami has
a hot, humid climate. Arizona has a dry climate. Vermont has cold
snowy winters and mild summers. Weather varies — even from
year to year — but climate does not.
Next:
How Is Seasonal Change Linked to
Climate? >>
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