Introduction to Climate
Climate describes the type of weather a place experiences over the long term, usually measured over years. Climate is sometimes known as "average weather". Climate change is a gradual shift in the average weather.
There are many different climates around the world, divided into climate zones. They include tropical, desert, temperate and polar climates. These exist because different parts of the Earth receive different amounts on sunlight. The Sun is stronger nearer the equator and weaker nearer the poles. The strength of sunlight also varies with the seasons. Most places outside the tropics experience winter and summer. The tropics are warm all the year round and instead experience wet and dry seasons.
Different climates have different patterns of temperature and rainfall. Rainfall is highest in the tropics, and lowest in the deserts and near the poles. Temperature varies hugely across the Earth. The highest temperatures occur in the hot deserts where values of over 50°C have been recorded. In contrast, temperatures in polar climates have been known to fall below -80°C. The average temperature of the global climate is about 15°C.
The British Isles has a temperate climate. It is neither too hot and dry in summer, nor too cold and wet in winter. Although generally agreeable, the British weather can be very changeable, raining one day and sunny the next.
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