Weather vs. Climate

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What is the difference between weather and climate?

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Weather refers to the short-term atmospheric conditions in a specific place at a specific time, while climate refers to the long-term average of weather patterns in a particular area.

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What is an example of weather?

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A cloudy day or a rainy afternoon.

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What is an example of climate?

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The average temperature in a region over several years, like how it is usually hot in the summer in Texas.

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What does precipitation mean?

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Precipitation is any form of water, liquid or solid, that falls from the atmosphere, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

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What is a hurricane?

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A hurricane is a large, powerful storm that forms over warm ocean waters and can cause heavy rain, strong winds, and flooding.

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What does it mean when we say a place is 'dry'?

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It means that the area receives very little precipitation, making it hard for plants to grow.

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What is the significance of the lowest recorded temperature?

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It helps us understand the climate of a region by showing the extremes of weather that can occur.

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How does climate affect the types of plants that grow in an area?

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Different climates support different types of vegetation; for example, deserts have cacti, while rainforests have tall trees.

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What is an example of a climate zone?

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Tropical, temperate, and polar are examples of climate zones.

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What is the role of the sun in weather and climate?

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The sun provides energy that drives weather patterns and influences the climate by warming the Earth's surface.