Source: Extra Practice

What is the fundamental difference between 'weather' and 'climate'?

Options

Option A

Weather refers to long-term average conditions, while climate is the day-to-day atmospheric state.

Option B is correct

Weather describes the state of the atmosphere over a short period, whereas climate refers to the average weather conditions observed over a long period, typically 30 years or more.

Option C

Weather only includes temperature, while climate includes all elements like wind and humidity.

Option D

Climate changes hourly, but weather remains constant for months.

Explanation

Weather refers to the atmospheric conditions at a particular place and time, describing it for a short duration (e.g., day-to-day, hour-to-hour). Climate, on the other hand, is the average weather pattern observed over a very long period, typically 25-30 years or more, for a large region. Option 1 incorrectly reverses these definitions. Options 3 and 4 present factually incorrect statements regarding the elements and stability of weather and climate.