Weather versus climate
Weather is the state of the atmosphere of a place over a short time, for example one day. Climate is the average weather condition of an area over a long period, usually more than 30 years. Both are described through the same elements.
The elements of weather and climate
- Temperature – the degree of heat of the air, measured in °C with a thermometer.
- Rainfall – the amount of precipitation, measured in mm with a rain gauge.
- Humidity – the amount of water vapour in the air, measured with a hygrometer.
- Air pressure – the weight of air pressing on the surface, measured with a barometer in millibars.
- Wind – air in motion; its direction is measured with a wind vane and its speed with an anemometer.
Key idea
Temperature is measured with a thermometer (°C), rainfall with a rain gauge (mm), humidity with a hygrometer, air pressure with a barometer, and wind with an anemometer and a wind vane.
Relationship between the elements
These elements are interrelated. When the temperature is high, more water evaporates, raising the humidity. Warm air rises and creates low air pressure, while cool air sinks and creates high pressure. Wind blows from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure. Understanding these elements is important for explaining Malaysia's equatorial climate, which is hot and humid all year round.