Weather and Climate

Climate
This is the average state of the atmosphere over a long period of time (30 to 40years) for a particular
region. It is the expected, rather than the actual conditions for a place. It is long term and is often
applied to sizeable parts of the globe. For example the climate of Zimbabwe is described as cold dry
winter and hot wet summer.

Weather
This refers to the state of the atmosphere, that is, temperature, pressure, wind direction and speed,
humidity, and the amount of sunshine for a particular place over a short period of time. The state or
condition of the atmosphere is ever changing.

The Atmosphere
The air that surrounds the earth is called the atmosphere. It consists of the
• troposphere
• stratosphere
• mesosphere
• thermosphere
• exosphere

DRAW: Structure of the Atmosphere

Weather occurs in the Troposphere. (Research more on the layers of the atmosphere)
The weather conditions (temperature, rainfall, wind direction and speed, humidity, sunshine, atmospheric
pressure, and cloud cover) are measured (observed) using instruments which give precise conditions in specific
units of measurements. The instruments are very important in weather data collection.
The weather elements are recorded at a weather station.
➔ ACTIVITY: At the back of your notebooks answer in 5 sentences; Why is recording and
understanding the weather important?

A Weather Station
• A weather station is a place where the elements of weather are observed and recorded.
• A weather station may be either on land or at sea.
• The elements of weather are observed using instruments.
• A weather station is found in schools, meteorological centers and some district agricultural
centres where weather information is needed.
• The information is shared with the public as well as studied over time to look for weather
patterns.
A Weather Station

An example of a traditional weather station

Automatic weather station (AWS)

An automatic weather station (AWS) is an automated version of the traditional weather station, either
to save human labour or to enable measurements from remote areas. An AWS will typically consist of
a weather-proof enclosure containing the data logger and a rechargeable battery and the meteorological
sensors with an attached solar panel or wind turbine and mounted upon a mast. In the past, automatic
weather stations were often placed where electricity and communication lines were available.
Nowadays, the solar panel, wind turbine and mobile phone technology have made it possible to have
wireless stations that are not connected to the electrical grid or hard-line telecommunications network

The information collated using the above instruments is then displayed on a digital screen
Location of a weather station
• It should be in an open area free from obstructions such as trees and buildings as these may
intercept rainfall, block winds, or shelter the thermometers.
• It should be away from hard surfaces such as concrete or tar. These surfaces encourage
in-splashing in rain gauges and are likely to affect rainfall readings. Tarred surfaces also
absorb heat.
• The station should be fenced, gated and locked to protect the equipment from tampering, theft
and vandalism.
• It should be on short grass that allows water to soak or flow and not splash into the
instruments.

Stevenson Screen
A Stevenson screen is a shelter to shield meteorological instruments against precipitation and direct
heat radiation from outside sources, while still allowing air to circulate freely around them. It forms
part of a standard weather station. The Stevenson screen holds instruments that may
include thermometers (ordinary, maximum/minimum), a hygrometer, a barometer. Its purpose is to
provide a standardised environment in which to measure temperature, humidity, dewpoint, and
atmospheric pressure.

Importance of a Stevenson Screen

• Ensure safety of instruments because they are delicate.
• Provide shade conditions for accurate recording of temperature.

DRAW:
Stevenson Features Reason

Wooden box To avoid conduction of heat

Painted white To reflect the sun’s rays

Double roof For insulation

Louvres Allow free flow of air.

1,21 metres above the ground To avoid heat radiated from the ground.

Door faces south in the Southern To avoid direct heat from the rays of the sun
Hemisphere

Away from trees and buildings Trees and buildings create shade or block
winds.