Weather is the condition of the atmosphere at any particular time and place.

Climate represents
the accumulation of daily and seasonal weather events (the average range of weather) over a
long period of time.

Factors Affecting Weather and Climate

1. Latitude. The distance a place is located from the equator (degrees North or South)
2. Ocean Currents. Ocean waters travel in paths called currents; some are warm and others
are cold
3. Elevation. The height above the earth’s surface (or altitude)
4. Relief. The difference in the height of an area of the earth’s surface
5. Wind and Air Masses.
a) An air mass is a large volume of air that moves over an area of land bring with it, the
weather conditions of the area it formed over.
b) Wind is created by differences in air pressure in the atmosphere (winds move from
areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure).
7. Nearness to water. Proximity to a large body of water (i.e. oceans or large lakes)