Weather and climate

If a person is describing the daily changes in temperature and precipitation, they are referring to an area's —

• Geology

• Climate

• Geography

• Weather

The kinds of data that reflect climate are different from the conditions described in weather data. Which of the following is a description of climate?

• Today it is hot and sunny in Phoenix, Arizona.

• Summers are usually mild in Lansing, Michigan.

• Last week it rained every day in San Antonio, Texas.

• Yesterday was cold and windy in Anchorage, Alaska.

Weather data is different than climate data. Which of the following is an example of weather data?

• The average high temperature in May is 21°C in the Midwest of the United States

• Central Australia usually receives less than 110 mm of rainfall all year

• The relative humidity was 24% at noon on July 23 in Tempe, Arizona

• On average, there is 88mm of rain in the Gulf Coast region in July

Students measured the rainfall outside their classroom for five days and recorded their observations. The greatest increase in the amount of rainfall was between -

• June 12 and June 13

• June 11 and June 12

• June 10 and June 11

• June 13 and June 14

Which of the following is NOT a statement the meteorologist would make about the weather?

• The high temperature will be 55°F and the low will be 37°F.

• A cold front is bringing in colder weather.

• The wind speed will increase to 25 mph in the afternoon.

• The average weather condition of the area is rainy.

Students at an elementary school set up a weather station in 1985. The fifth grade classes have been responsible for measuring and recording the daily temperature, wind speed, wind direction, precipitation, and cloud cover every year.

Which characteristic of the area would students be able to describe only after 30 or more years?

• Weather

• Climate

• Atmospheric disturbances

• Earthquakes

What could the title of this table be?

• Climate Report for Old Dime Box, TX

• Average Temperatures for Old Dime Box, TX

• Weather Report for Old Dime Box, TX

• Precipitation Report for Old Dime Box, TX

The table shows some weather data collected over a five-day period. What pattern over the five days can be observed in the collected data?

• There was more rain on the warmer days.

• Rain came along with lower temperatures.

• There were fewer clouds as the week went on.

• Temperature increased during the week.

Climate data is not the same as weather data. Which of the following is a description of climate data?

• New York had a record rainfall on Wednesday.

• Lima, Peru had a low temperature last night of 17°C.

• Winds are currently from the south in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

• The coast of Antarctica has very short summers.

What question could students answer after reading this map?

• What is the temperature in Alaska?

• What is the climate for the majority of the U.S.?

• What is the difference in population of the Northern hemisphere compared to the Southern hemisphere?

• Which city has the most rainfall for the month of September?