difference between weather and climate
Weather is what the forecasters on the news predict each day. The weatherman tell people various things about the weather such as the temperature, cloudiness, humidity, and whether a storm is likely to occur in the next few days. Weather is not the same everywhere. In one part of the world it could sunshine and rainbows but it another part of the world it could be snowy and freezing. Everyday, weather events are recorded and predicted by meteorologists worldwide.
Climate is the average weather pattern in a specific place over many years. Th climate of Antarctica is very different to the climate of tropical islands. Weather can change in just a few hours, though climate takes hundreds, thousands, even millions of years to change.
Climate is the average weather pattern in a specific place over many years. Th climate of Antarctica is very different to the climate of tropical islands. Weather can change in just a few hours, though climate takes hundreds, thousands, even millions of years to change.
Pressure Systems: High and low
What is a High Pressure System?
A high pressure system is a spinning mass of dry, cool air that usually brings light winds and weather. When viewed from a birds eye view it can be seen as winds spiraling out out of a high-pressure center into a clockwise rotation in the Northern Hemisphere. These result in sunny skies. A high pressure system is represented as a big, blue H.
What is a Low Pressure System?
A low pressure system is a spinning mass of warm, moist air that usually brings strong winds and stormy weather. When viewed from a birds eye view it can be seen as winds spinning into a low-pressure center in a counterclockwise rotation in the Northern Hemisphere. A low pressure system is represented as a big, red L.
A high pressure system is a spinning mass of dry, cool air that usually brings light winds and weather. When viewed from a birds eye view it can be seen as winds spiraling out out of a high-pressure center into a clockwise rotation in the Northern Hemisphere. These result in sunny skies. A high pressure system is represented as a big, blue H.
What is a Low Pressure System?
A low pressure system is a spinning mass of warm, moist air that usually brings strong winds and stormy weather. When viewed from a birds eye view it can be seen as winds spinning into a low-pressure center in a counterclockwise rotation in the Northern Hemisphere. A low pressure system is represented as a big, red L.
Fronts: Cold and Warm
What is a front, cold front and a warm front?
A front is a boundary that lies between two different air masses, resulting in stormy weather. A front is usually a line that shows the separation between cold and warm air.
A cold front is a boundary between two air masses. One air mass is cold and the other is warm. They move so that the cooler air replaces the warmer air. A cold front is represented as a blue line with the teeth pointing towards the direction it moves.
A warm front is also a boundary between two air masses. One air mass is cool and the other one is warm. They move so that the warmer air replaces the cooler air. A warm front is represented as a red line with semi-circles pointing towards the direction it moves.
A front is a boundary that lies between two different air masses, resulting in stormy weather. A front is usually a line that shows the separation between cold and warm air.
A cold front is a boundary between two air masses. One air mass is cold and the other is warm. They move so that the cooler air replaces the warmer air. A cold front is represented as a blue line with the teeth pointing towards the direction it moves.
A warm front is also a boundary between two air masses. One air mass is cool and the other one is warm. They move so that the warmer air replaces the cooler air. A warm front is represented as a red line with semi-circles pointing towards the direction it moves.
El NiNO AND LA NINA
Click on image to enlarge
What is an El Niño and La Niña and how often do they occur?
El Niño can be distinguished by warm ocean temperatures in the Pacific. La Niña can be distinguished by cold ocean temperatures in the Pacific. Both these terms refer to large changes in the sea-surface temperature across the eastern tropical Pacific.
El Niño and La Niña occur on an average every three to five years. However in some historical recordings it has varied between two and seven years.
Where does the name 'El Niño are La Niña' originate from?
The name El Niño originates from Spanish meaning "the boy". La Niña in Spanish means "the girl".
El Niño can be distinguished by warm ocean temperatures in the Pacific. La Niña can be distinguished by cold ocean temperatures in the Pacific. Both these terms refer to large changes in the sea-surface temperature across the eastern tropical Pacific.
El Niño and La Niña occur on an average every three to five years. However in some historical recordings it has varied between two and seven years.
Where does the name 'El Niño are La Niña' originate from?
The name El Niño originates from Spanish meaning "the boy". La Niña in Spanish means "the girl".
Click on image to enlarge
What effects does the El Niño have and how long does it last?
A strong El Niño can produce droughts in Indonesia and Australia and sometimes wet winters in the southeastern US. The El Niño (if strong) can take a year or more before conditions return to normal.
What effects does the La Niña have and how long it last?
La Niña can produce wetter (than normal) conditions over northern Australia and Indonesia during winter and over the Philippines in summer. Drier (than normal) conditions are also seen along the west coast of tropical South America. La Niña conditions can typically last around nine to twelve months, although some 'episodes' may last as long as two years.
A strong El Niño can produce droughts in Indonesia and Australia and sometimes wet winters in the southeastern US. The El Niño (if strong) can take a year or more before conditions return to normal.
What effects does the La Niña have and how long it last?
La Niña can produce wetter (than normal) conditions over northern Australia and Indonesia during winter and over the Philippines in summer. Drier (than normal) conditions are also seen along the west coast of tropical South America. La Niña conditions can typically last around nine to twelve months, although some 'episodes' may last as long as two years.
CLIMATE IN AUSTRALIA:
New South Wales climate is fairly broad. It varies from the mild Sydney weather to the dry summer heat of the bush in the northwestern part of the state.
Victoria climate is also broad despite its small size. In the southern position of Victoria means it tends to be cooler and
wetter.
Queensland climate has a wide variation, due to its size. Low rainfall and hot summers are typical for the inland west, a wet
season in the far north area and warm temperate conditions along the coastal strip.
South Australia climate varies from mild wetter regions of the south east coast to hot and dryer regions at the Mount Lofty
Ranges.
Western Australia climate is one of the most diverse climates in the country. It covers the largest land area of Australia.
The climate conditions range from heavy rains in summer at North Kimberly, to
occasional snow on the Stirling Range and excessive summer heat to the
southwest.
Tasmania climate is temperate maritime with four distinct seasons, from the warm sunny days of summer to the sudden storms of winter.
ACT and Canberra climate has relatively dry climates with warm to hot summers and cool to cold winters. Canberra experiences warm, dry summers and chilly winters with heavy fog and frequent frosts.
Northern Territory climate is in two zones; the desert environment around Central Australia and the tropical north climate in
Darwin.
Victoria climate is also broad despite its small size. In the southern position of Victoria means it tends to be cooler and
wetter.
Queensland climate has a wide variation, due to its size. Low rainfall and hot summers are typical for the inland west, a wet
season in the far north area and warm temperate conditions along the coastal strip.
South Australia climate varies from mild wetter regions of the south east coast to hot and dryer regions at the Mount Lofty
Ranges.
Western Australia climate is one of the most diverse climates in the country. It covers the largest land area of Australia.
The climate conditions range from heavy rains in summer at North Kimberly, to
occasional snow on the Stirling Range and excessive summer heat to the
southwest.
Tasmania climate is temperate maritime with four distinct seasons, from the warm sunny days of summer to the sudden storms of winter.
ACT and Canberra climate has relatively dry climates with warm to hot summers and cool to cold winters. Canberra experiences warm, dry summers and chilly winters with heavy fog and frequent frosts.
Northern Territory climate is in two zones; the desert environment around Central Australia and the tropical north climate in
Darwin.
SEASONAL VARIATIONS:
Summer: Australias summer runs from December through to February. Some of the regions in Australia are hot and dry, particulary in the southern region of the continent.
Autumn: Australias autumn runs from Match through to May. Daylight savings ends at the start of Autumn. Autumn is generally a cool time, leaves fall off trees and the consistency of rain is usually higher than in winter and spring.
Winter: Australias winter runs from June through to August. The weather varies from warm, dry, pleasnt conditions in the north and wet and cold conditions in the south. Winter does not normaly provide snow, but in some cooler places snow can form.
Spring: Australias spring runs from September through to November. The eastern states of Australia is a time of increasing humidty, but still has the coolness from winter. Apart from warmer temperatures, there is no major difference between spring and winter. Spring is still a time of birds nesting and newborn animals.
Autumn: Australias autumn runs from Match through to May. Daylight savings ends at the start of Autumn. Autumn is generally a cool time, leaves fall off trees and the consistency of rain is usually higher than in winter and spring.
Winter: Australias winter runs from June through to August. The weather varies from warm, dry, pleasnt conditions in the north and wet and cold conditions in the south. Winter does not normaly provide snow, but in some cooler places snow can form.
Spring: Australias spring runs from September through to November. The eastern states of Australia is a time of increasing humidty, but still has the coolness from winter. Apart from warmer temperatures, there is no major difference between spring and winter. Spring is still a time of birds nesting and newborn animals.
MEAN TEMPERATURE IN SUMMER, WINTER, AUTUMN AND SPRING
RAINFALL IN SUMMER, WINTER, AUTUMN AND SPRING
What To WEAR:
So your wanting to come to Australia, but not sure what to wear? Its simple. Australia is a fairly casual country. Unless its a really formal occassion there is no need for a tuxedo or long gown.
Some clubs, such as a RSL or sporting clubs have a dress code. This is items of clothing that might not be suitable to the club. Examples are; no thongs, offensive symbols on clothing, singlets and no hats. This does not apply to all clubs.
Some clubs, such as a RSL or sporting clubs have a dress code. This is items of clothing that might not be suitable to the club. Examples are; no thongs, offensive symbols on clothing, singlets and no hats. This does not apply to all clubs.
SUMMER TIME
What would you wear if it was summer time in Australia?
If you read above (which I'm sure you did) you would have noticed that Australia is particulary hot and dry. The most common items of clothing would be shorts and t-shirts. There really is no need to go all fancy and spends money on "pretty" or "fashionable" clothes. As long as you are comfortable with what you are wearing you will be fine. If you are going anywhere with beaches it would be good if you packed swimmers, sunscreen and a hat. Sunscreen is very important as the sun can burn you skin quite easily. As far as the shoes go thongs or sneakers/joggers will be suitable. Converse shoes or 'vans' are also common in Australia.
If you read above (which I'm sure you did) you would have noticed that Australia is particulary hot and dry. The most common items of clothing would be shorts and t-shirts. There really is no need to go all fancy and spends money on "pretty" or "fashionable" clothes. As long as you are comfortable with what you are wearing you will be fine. If you are going anywhere with beaches it would be good if you packed swimmers, sunscreen and a hat. Sunscreen is very important as the sun can burn you skin quite easily. As far as the shoes go thongs or sneakers/joggers will be suitable. Converse shoes or 'vans' are also common in Australia.
AUTUMN TIME
What would you wear if it was autumn time in Australia?
Autumn is a cool season with slight chances of rain. Depending on the state and place you are visiting, depends on the temperature. It would be best to pack a light-weighted windproof and waterproof raincoat incase of emergencies. Shorts and t-shirts are still the main item of clothing that is worn. If the wind is chilly and there is suspected rain then a jumper is needed and possibly longer pants if it gets colder. In Autumn jumpers and long pants arent generally needed, but if you would like to pack them just incase feel free. Same as summer thongs or sneakers/joggers are suitable. Converse shoes or 'vans' are also common in Australia.
Autumn is a cool season with slight chances of rain. Depending on the state and place you are visiting, depends on the temperature. It would be best to pack a light-weighted windproof and waterproof raincoat incase of emergencies. Shorts and t-shirts are still the main item of clothing that is worn. If the wind is chilly and there is suspected rain then a jumper is needed and possibly longer pants if it gets colder. In Autumn jumpers and long pants arent generally needed, but if you would like to pack them just incase feel free. Same as summer thongs or sneakers/joggers are suitable. Converse shoes or 'vans' are also common in Australia.
WINTER TIME
What would you wear if it was winter time in Australia?
Winter can be warm in the north and cold in the south. If you are travelling up north there is not much difference than the summer clothing. An extra layer or two might be needed if you are travelling south. So thick socks, long pants and woollen jumpers might be needed if you are the type that gets cold easily. Sneakers/joggers are suitable to wear and converse shoes or 'vans' are also comfortable.
Winter can be warm in the north and cold in the south. If you are travelling up north there is not much difference than the summer clothing. An extra layer or two might be needed if you are travelling south. So thick socks, long pants and woollen jumpers might be needed if you are the type that gets cold easily. Sneakers/joggers are suitable to wear and converse shoes or 'vans' are also comfortable.
SPRING TIME
What would you wear if it was spring time in Australia?
Spring time can be humid at some times, but still has the coolnes of winter around it. Shorts and t-shorts would be the best clothing to wear. Sneakers/joggers are suitable to wear and converse shoes or 'vans' are also comfortable. You can pack away the thick socks, jumpers and extra layers of clothing as there is not much use for them in spring. Enjoy the flowers blooming. If you are going to a park or somewhere outisde you might bring a hat, but again it depends on the weather.
MAIN WEBSITES USED:
1. "Climate and Past Weather." Climate Information. Australian Government, Web. 30 Apr. 2013. <http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/>.
2. "Climate of AustraliaAustralian Weather Guide." Climate of Australia. Australian-Information-Stories, Web. 30 Apr. 2013. <http://www.australian-information-stories.com/climate-of-australia.html>.
"Weather Wiz Kids Weather Information for Kids." Weather Forecasting. Weather Wiz Kids, n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2013. <http://www.weatherwizkids.com/weather-forecasting.htm>.
"Weather Impacts of ENSO." Weather Impacts of ENSO. National Weather Service, n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2013. <http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/yos/resource/JetStream/tropics/enso_impacts.htm>.
Written By Natasha MacLeod
Spring time can be humid at some times, but still has the coolnes of winter around it. Shorts and t-shorts would be the best clothing to wear. Sneakers/joggers are suitable to wear and converse shoes or 'vans' are also comfortable. You can pack away the thick socks, jumpers and extra layers of clothing as there is not much use for them in spring. Enjoy the flowers blooming. If you are going to a park or somewhere outisde you might bring a hat, but again it depends on the weather.
MAIN WEBSITES USED:
1. "Climate and Past Weather." Climate Information. Australian Government, Web. 30 Apr. 2013. <http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/>.
2. "Climate of AustraliaAustralian Weather Guide." Climate of Australia. Australian-Information-Stories, Web. 30 Apr. 2013. <http://www.australian-information-stories.com/climate-of-australia.html>.
"Weather Wiz Kids Weather Information for Kids." Weather Forecasting. Weather Wiz Kids, n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2013. <http://www.weatherwizkids.com/weather-forecasting.htm>.
"Weather Impacts of ENSO." Weather Impacts of ENSO. National Weather Service, n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2013. <http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/yos/resource/JetStream/tropics/enso_impacts.htm>.
Written By Natasha MacLeod