Difference between Weather and Climate
Delhi Police & SSC Exams
1. Introduction
Our atmosphere is always changing — sometimes sunny, sometimes rainy, sometimes cold or humid. But what we experience daily is not the same as what we observe over many years.
That's where the difference between weather and climate becomes important.
Memory Tricks:
Weather = What you get today
Climate = What you expect every year
Key Concepts:
- Short-term vs Long-term atmospheric conditions
- Meteorology vs Climatology
- Measuring instruments and techniques
- Factors influencing weather and climate
2. What is Weather?
Definition:
Weather refers to the day-to-day condition of the atmosphere at a particular place and time. It includes short-term changes in:
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Rainfall
- Wind
- Sunshine
Duration: Short-term (hours to days)
Examples:
"If it rains this evening or feels hot today — that's weather."
"Today's maximum temperature is 35°C with 70% humidity."
"Expect strong winds and thunderstorms this afternoon."
3. Elements of Weather
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Measure of heat in the atmosphere |
| Humidity | Amount of moisture in the air |
| Precipitation | Rain, snow, hail etc. falling from clouds |
| Wind | Movement of air from high to low pressure areas |
| Cloud cover | Determines sunlight and chances of rain |
Memory Trick: "THPWC = Temperature, Humidity, Precipitation, Wind, Cloud"
4. What is Climate?
Definition:
Climate refers to the average weather pattern of a region over a long period of time (usually 30 years or more). It describes the general behavior of weather in an area.
Duration: Long-term (decades to centuries)
Examples:
"India has a tropical monsoon climate, meaning hot summers, rainy monsoon, and mild winters."
"Desert regions have arid climate with very little rainfall throughout the year."
"Polar regions have cold climate with temperatures below freezing most of the year."
5. Elements of Climate
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Latitude | Distance from equator affects heat distribution |
| Altitude | Higher areas are cooler |
| Distance from Sea | Oceans moderate temperature |
| Winds & Currents | Affect rainfall and temperature patterns |
| Relief Features | Mountains affect rain distribution (rain shadow) |
Memory Trick: "LADWR → Latitude, Altitude, Distance, Winds, Relief"
6. Difference between Weather and Climate
| Basis | Weather | Climate |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Daily atmospheric condition | Average atmospheric condition |
| Time Period | Short-term (hours/days) | Long-term (30+ years) |
| Changeability | Changes frequently | Remains steady over years |
| Study | Meteorology | Climatology |
| Example | "It's raining today" | "India has a tropical climate" |
| Measurement | Measured by weather instruments | Calculated from long-term records |
Memory Trick: "Weather changes daily, Climate stays yearly."
7. Weather Measuring Instruments
| Element | Instrument |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Thermometer |
| Rainfall | Rain Gauge |
| Humidity | Hygrometer |
| Wind Direction | Wind Vane |
| Wind Speed | Anemometer |
| Pressure | Barometer |
8. Relationship Between Weather and Climate
WEATHER (Short-term)
Hot today
Rain tomorrow
Windy evening
CLIMATE (Long-term)
Hot summers every year
Monsoon from June–Sept
Cold winters, mild spring
Memory Trick: "Climate = Average of many Weathers"
9. Factors Affecting Both Weather & Climate
Latitude
Distance from equator affects heat distribution
Altitude
Height above sea level
Distance from Sea
Coastal vs inland regions
Ocean Currents
Warm or cold influence temperature
Relief
Mountains cause rain on one side, dry on the other
Winds
Distribute heat and moisture
10. Importance of Studying Weather & Climate
Practical Applications:
Helps in predicting rainfall and droughts
Useful for agriculture and crop planning
Important for aviation and navigation
Additional Benefits:
Helps in disaster management (floods, cyclones)
Influences lifestyle, housing, and clothing of people
Essential for urban planning and infrastructure
PYQs (Delhi Police, SSC & State Exams)
The day-to-day condition of the atmosphere is called —
Options: (a) Climate (b) Weather (c) Season (d) Environment
Category: Basic Definitions
Show Answer
b) Weather
The average weather condition of a place over a long period is called —
Options: (a) Season (b) Climate (c) Weather (d) Monsoon
Category: Basic Definitions
Show Answer
b) Climate
Which of the following is studied under meteorology?
Options: (a) Rocks (b) Weather (c) Soil (d) Forest
Category: Scientific Studies
Show Answer
b) Weather
What is the minimum period required to study climate scientifically?
Options: (a) 1 year (b) 10 years (c) 30 years (d) 100 years
Category: Climate Study
Show Answer
c) 30 years
The instrument used to measure rainfall is —
Options: (a) Thermometer (b) Rain gauge (c) Barometer (d) Anemometer
Category: Weather Instruments
Show Answer
b) Rain gauge
Which of the following statements is true?
Options: (a) Weather and climate mean the same thing (b) Climate changes every day (c) Weather changes frequently (d) Weather remains fixed
Category: Comparative Analysis
Show Answer
c) Weather changes frequently
11. Quick Comparison Chart
| Category | Weather | Climate |
|---|---|---|
| Time span | Short (days/weeks) | Long (decades) |
| Nature | Variable | Relatively stable |
| Example | "Today is windy" | "Desert is dry" |
| Science studied | Meteorology | Climatology |
| Predictability | Possible (short-term) | Statistical (long-term) |
Final Exam Tips
Weather = Today, Climate = 30+ years
Meteorology → Study of Weather
Climatology → Study of Climate
Rain Gauge = Rainfall measurement
Memory Trick: "W = What now, C = Constant condition"
Master Geography for Delhi Police Exam!
Join Courage Library for comprehensive study materials and expert guidance.
Be a Couragian!