Weather
Chapter 2 - Society
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Welcome to the Weather page
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Weather refers to the short-term conditions of the atmosphere at a specific time and place, including temperature, humidity, precipitation, cloudiness, visibility, and wind. Weather can change from minute to minute, hour to hour, and day to day. For example, a thunderstorm this afternoon or a sunny day tomorrow are examples of weather.
Climate, on the other hand, describes the long-term average of weather patterns in a particular area, typically measured over years. Climate gives you a sense of what the weather is generally like in a region—such as whether it's usually hot and dry, cold and snowy, or temperate and rainy.
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Deep dive
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Climate change is intensifying and altering Earth's weather patterns in several key ways:
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Increased temperature extremes
Global temperatures have risen by about 1.1°C (2024) since the late 19th century, leading to morefrequent and severe heatwaves
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Shifts in precipitation patterns
Heavy rainfall and flooding have increased in many regions due to warmer air holding more moisture, while droughts intensify
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Stronger storms and hurricanes
Warmer oceans are fueling more intense tropical storms and hurricanes with higher rainfall rates
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Rising sea levels
Sea levels have already risen by approximately 20 centimetres since 1880. An additional rise of up to 2 meters is possible by 2100. This exacerbates coastal flooding and erosion
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Longer wildfire seasons
Drier conditions and higher temperatures have doubled the area burned by wildfires in recent decades
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Ecosystem and agricultural disruption
Warmer temperatures are lengthening growing seasons but also expanding pest ranges and reducing soil health
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Do you want to know more?
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| World Weather Attribution |
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| World Weather Attribution uses weather observations and climate models to understand how climate change influences the intensity and likelihood of extreme weather events. The studies also assess the role of human vulnerability and exposure in the impacts to highlight the actions needed to prepare for changing weather extremes. |
| https://www.worldweatherattribution.org/ |
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