Topic: Weather and Climate

02-08

The difference between weather and climate is a measure of time. Weather is what conditions of the atmosphere are over a short period of time, and climate is how the atmosphere "behaves" over relatively long periods of time.

What Weather Means

Weather is basically the way the atmosphere is behaving, mainly with respect to its effects upon life and human activities. The difference between weather and climate is that weather consists of the short-term (minutes to months) changes in the atmosphere. Most people think of weather in terms of temperature, humidity, precipitation, cloudiness, brightness, visibility, wind, and atmospheric pressure, as in high and low pressure.

There are really a lot of components to weather. Weather includes sunshine, rain, cloud cover, winds, hail, snow, sleet, freezing rain, flooding, blizzards, ice storms, thunderstorms, steady rains from a cold front or warm front, excessive heat, heat waves and more.

What Climate Means

In short, climate is the description of the long-term pattern of weather in a particular region. Some scientists define climate as the average weather for a particular region and time period, usually taken over 30-years.

When scientists talk about climate, theyre looking at averages of precipitation, temperature, humidity, sunshine, wind velocity, phenomena such as fog, frost, and hail storms, and other measures of the weather that occur over a long period in a particular place.

For example, after looking at rain gauge data, lake and reservoir levels, and satellite data, scientists can tell if during a summer, an area was drier than average. If it continues to be drier than normal over the course of many summers, than it would likely indicate a change in the climate.

Why Study Climate?

The reason studying climate and a changing climate is important, is that will affect people around the world. Rising global temperatures are expected to raise sea levels, and change precipitation and other local climate conditions. Changing regional climate could alter forests, crop yields, and water supplies. It could also affect human health, animals, and many types of ecosystems. Deserts may expand into existing rangelands, and features of some of our National Parks and National Forests may be permanently altered.

Be established to give short-term climate prediction. Be operational predictions or forecasts of how climate may change and includes real-time monitoring of climate. They cover the land, the ocean, and the atmosphere, extending into the upper atmosphere (stratosphere). Climate prediction is very useful in various industries, including agriculture, energy, transportation, water resources, and health.

Using satellites to study Earths changing climate. Thanks to satellite and computer model technology, We has been able to calculate actual surface temperatures around the world and measure how theyve been warming. To accomplish the calculations, the satellites actually measure the Suns radiation reflected and absorbed by the land and oceans. Satellites keep eyes on the ozone hole, El Ninos warm waters in the eastern Pacific, volcanoes, melting ice sheets and glaciers, changes in global wind and pressure systems and much more.

Today, scientists around the world continue to try and solve the puzzle of climate change by working with satellites, other tools and computer models that simulate and predict the Earths conditions. At the global level, countries around the world have expressed a firm commitment to strengthening international responses to the risks of climate change.

Weather in Hometown Hangzhou

Hangzhou is located in the south-central portion of the Yangtze River Delta. Hangzhou is the capital and most populous city of Zhejiang Province in east China. Hangzhou is renowned for its historical relics and natural beauty. Hangzhou grew to prominence as the southern terminus of the Grand Canal and has been one of the most renowned and prosperous cities in China. The citys West Lake, a World Heritage Site, is amongst its best-known attraction.

Hangzhou is located in a subtropical monsoon climate zone. The weather is generally mild but still has four distinct seasons.

Hangzhou weather is generally warm and mild all year round, with abundant sunshine and rainfall. Tourists are advised to bring an umbrella when visiting Hangzhou because of occasional rains.

There are four distinctive seasons. Generally, a wet and rainy spring, a hot and humid summer, a cool and clear autumn, and a dry and cold winter. There are two rainy seasons in the region – one is the Plum Rain Season beginning in late June through early July; the other comes with heavy rains and potential typhoons in August and September.

In late summer (August to September), Hangzhou suffers typhoon storms, but typhoons seldom strike it directly. Generally they make landfall along the southern coast of Zhejiang, and affect the area with strong winds and stormy rains.

Spring (Mar. - mid Jun.)

Generally, its spring starts in March and ends in middle June. The temperatures are variable but generally warmer. This is the time of the Qingming Festival. There are usually temperate spring rains to dampen the earth. After the rain, the lakes, hills and pavilions peep out from a thin layer of fog.

Peach blossoms appear as do green willows and the bursting colors of new blooms. This is a good time to stroll on the Su Causeway on West Lake. It is also a happy time for tea growers who are busy harvesting green tea leaves in their gardens. A light sweater or jacket will keep you comfortable.

Summer (mid Jun. - Sep.)

Summer weather here is usually rainy and hot and extends from middle June to late September. The hottest days fall in July when the average temperature is 29 C (84 F). The end of June to early July marks the Meiyu or Plum Rain Season. Its so-called because plums ripen in the early summer. From late August to the end of September typhoons often occur accompanied by heavy wind and rain. Its not a good time to be without an umbrella. When its not raining the umbrella makes a nice prop for photos on West Lakes Nine Zigzag Bridge with its backdrop of blossoming lotus flowers.

Autumn (Oct. - early Dec.)

Autumn runs from October to early December. The sky is always clear and the city is redolent of the sweet scent of osmanthus in Manlong Guiyu Park. Pack long-sleeved shirts and a light overcoat during this time of the year. The most popular time to visit is the Mid-Autumn Festival when people go to watch the surging tide of the Qiantang River during the day. In the evening, visitors gather to admire the bright moon over the West Lake.

Winter (mid Dec. - Feb.)

Winter in Hangzhou is from middle December to February. The coldest month is January with an average temperature of 3 C (37 F) with some snow. Bring a down coat, a wool sweater, winter boots and gloves if youre going there in winter.