The Weather

Weather describes the condition of the atmosphere. The condition of the atmosphere may be hot or cold, wet or dry, calm or stormy, clear or cloudy. The layer of gases surrounding the planet Earth is called the Earth's atmosphere. The atmosphere is made up of different gases and acts as a shield protecting life and it also helps maintain a safe temperature on Earth.

The temperature is the degree of hotness or coldness in the air, sometimes called air temperature. A thermometer is the instrument used to measure the temperature of the air or any other substance. The temperature based on the motion of the energy in the air. If the gas molecules in the air move faster, the air temperature will increase.

Humidity is the measurement of water vapor, or the invisible water in the air. Air pressure is the weight of the atmosphere pressing down on the Earth. Air pressure is also called atmospheric pressure. A barometer is used to measure atmospheric or air pressure. It is used by scientists, called meteorologists, who study the weather to forecast changes in the weather.

The change in air pressure has an effect on weather. Air moves from higher pressure to lower pressure, so if there's high and a low nearby, it can be windy as air rushes between the two. High pressure situations are generally associated with fair, sunny weather. Low pressure areas are generally cloudy/rainy areas; strong areas of low pressure bring the stormiest weather.

In higher altitude places, the air pressure decreases because the air is less dense here. However, in lower altitude places, the air pressure increases because the air is denser at lower sea levels.

Wind is caused by air flowing from high pressure areas to low pressure areas. The differences in the pressure is caused by the uneven heating of the Earth's surface by the sun. Some areas of the Earth receive more heat from the sun than other areas. This also results in various wind speeds. A difference between high and low pressure will cause wind, but the greater the difference the stronger the wind.

The rotation of the Earth also has an effect on the direction of the wind. If the Earth did not rotate, the wind would blow in a straight direction. Since the Earth rotates, the wind is deflected from the straight path.

Local winds are created as a result of mountains, vegetation, bodies of water, and other similar natural bodies. This is why local winds may change often, from mild breezes to strong winds in just hours. Local winds cover short distances.

There are several variables that affect the type of weather on the Earth, one is location. Coastal areas may have different weather patterns than mountainous areas. Weather also depends on a place's distance from the equator.

In summary, the Earth's weather can be warm, cold, windy, dry, rainy, snowy, and different combinations of each. Temperature affects air pressure, wind has an effect on temperatures, and there are other variables affecting the type of weather occurring throughout the world.