weatherconditions

Weather conditions refer to the state of the atmosphere at a specific time and location, characterized by variables such as temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind, cloud cover, visibility, and barometric pressure. They are distinct from climate, which describes longer-term patterns.

Temperature is a measure of thermal energy; humidity is the amount of water vapor; precipitation includes rain, snow, sleet, and hail; wind is air movement; visibility is how far one can see; cloud cover indicates the amount of sky obscured by clouds.

Observations come from weather stations, ships, buoys, weather balloons, radar, and satellites. Data are collected globally and used to create routine weather maps and advisories.

Weather systems such as high and low pressure, fronts, and tropical storms drive most day-to-day conditions. Local microclimates and terrain influence conditions, producing fog in valleys or wind lanes in coastlines.

Forecasting combines observations with numerical weather prediction models. Short-term forecasts are typically more certain; long-range forecasts have increasing uncertainty. Warnings and advisories address hazards such as thunderstorms, heatwaves, blizzards, and floods.

Weather conditions affect agriculture, transportation, construction, energy demand, and daily life. Accurate weather information supports planning and safety.