Weather changes from day to day. Climate describes the long-term average of those conditions for a given place. Thirty years of temperature, rainfall, wind, and humidity data usually form the basis for a climate description.

A desert climate stays dry year after year. A tropical rainforest climate remains warm and wet. Coastal climates often show milder temperature ranges than inland locations at the same latitude. These patterns arise from latitude, altitude, proximity to oceans, and prevailing winds.

Climate is not static. Gradual shifts occur naturally and, more recently, under human influence. Understanding local climate helps farmers choose crops, engineers design buildings, and communities plan for water supply.

• Long-term average weather conditions
• Defined over decades of data
• Shaped by geography and circulation
• Guides agriculture and infrastructure