What is the difference between climate and weather? 

limate change is one of the biggest challenges that Mother Earth is facing. From uncontrollable pollution to a drastic rise in temperature, this change has been affecting us all. While discussing these issues, we sometimes end up using climate and weather interchangeably. However, these two associated geographical terms have separate origins and definitions. Let us explore the differences in details.  

What is climate? 
Climate is referred to as the long-term manifestations of weather and other atmospheric conditions in a given area or a country over a long period of time. In other words, it is the statistical summation of all atmospheric elements and weather conditions, such as temperature, air pressure, solar radiation, precipitation, humidity and wind associated with a region. These elements and their variations help in maintaining climate records, such as amount of rainfall, hottest and coldest days.  

What is weather? 
Weather refers to the daily and short-term state of atmospheric conditions at a specific time and place, including temperature, relative humidity, cloud cover (visibility), precipitation and wind. Hence, the study of weather is essential on a regular basis to determine the everyday activities of mankind. While climate is spread across a vast place and duration, weather can alter within minutes or hours. These changes are mostly felt in the lowest atmospheric layer, popularly known as the troposphere. Weather forecasts have become a lot easier and simpler now, thanks to satellite monitoring all across the globe. 

Differences between climate and weather 
Although weather and climate are interrelated and often appear to be the same and even include similar atmospheric elements, there are some significant differences between both.  

• First and foremost, climate conditions change over a long-term period, whereas, weather conditions change very frequently. 
• The study and research of climate is called climatology and it is done by institutes of climate studies that observe and predict climate changes. On the other hand, the study and research of weather and its forecast is called meteorology. It is done by the local meteorological departments. 
• Generally, the climate of a country impacts broad-scale entities such as the economy, industries, and agriculture. In contrast, the weather of a particular place impacts day-to-day factors, such as transportation and communication.