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Weather is the state of the atmosphere, describing for example the degree to which it is hot or cold, wet or dry, calm or stormy, clear or cloudy. [1] On Earth, most weather phenomena occur in the lowest layer of the planet's atmosphere, the troposphere, [2] [3] just below the stratosphere.
Climate (from Ancient Greek κλίμα 'inclination') is commonly defined as the weather averaged over a long period. [9] The standard averaging period is 30 years, [10] but other periods may be used depending on the purpose. Climate also includes statistics other than the average, such as the magnitudes of day-to-day or year-to-year variations.
Idealised depiction (at equinox) of large-scale atmospheric circulation on Earth Long-term mean precipitation by month. Atmospheric circulation is the large-scale movement of air and together with ocean circulation is the means by which thermal energy is redistributed on the surface of the Earth.
Extreme weather events affect public health, and food and water security. [239] [240] [241] Temperature extremes lead to increased illness and death. [239] [240] Climate change increases the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events. [240] [241] It can affect transmission of infectious diseases, such as dengue fever and malaria.
Sea surface temperature anomalies for April 12, 2023. Yellow, orange and red indicate where water is warmer than historical averages, and green, blue and purple show where water is cooler than ...
El Niño and La Niña affect the global climate and disrupt normal weather patterns, which as a result can lead to intense storms in some places and droughts in others. [6] [7] El Niño events cause short-term (approximately 1 year in length) spikes in global average surface temperature while La Niña events cause short term surface cooling. [8]
New research suggests that climate change, which causes more erratic and severe weather conditions, may be a trigger for more intense migraines. Migraines are getting worse — and climate change ...
Some climate change effects: wildfire caused by heat and dryness, bleached coral caused by ocean acidification and heating, environmental migration caused by desertification, and coastal flooding caused by storms and sea level rise. Effects of climate change are well documented and growing for Earth's natural environment and human societies. Changes to the climate system include an overall ...