What factors affect local weather patterns and changes?.

Local weather patterns are influenced by several factors, including:

• Geography: Mountains, valleys, and bodies of water can significantly impact local weather.
• Seasonal Changes: The tilt of the Earth's axis affects sunlight and temperature throughout the year.
• Climate Change: Long-term shifts in temperature and precipitation patterns influence local weather.
• Air Pressure Systems: High and low-pressure systems dictate wind patterns and precipitation.

Key Facts

• Weather is determined by atmospheric conditions over short periods, while climate is the long-term pattern.
• Local geography accounts for 10-20% of weather variation in an area.
• Seasonal changes can lead to extreme weather events such as hurricanes and blizzards.

Examples or Use Cases

• Coastal areas often experience milder temperatures due to ocean currents.
• Mountainous regions can have significantly different weather compared to nearby valleys.

FAQs

• What is the difference between weather and climate? Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions, while climate is the average over longer periods.
• How does urbanization affect local weather? Urban heat islands can increase local temperatures and alter precipitation patterns.