What defines the average weather of a region over time?

The average weather of a region over time is defined as climate. Climate encompasses the long-term patterns and averages of temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind, and other atmospheric conditions in a specific area. These patterns are typically assessed over a period of 30 years or more to give a comprehensive understanding of what weather conditions can generally be expected in that location.

Weather, in contrast, refers to the short-term conditions of the atmosphere at a specific place and time, including daily variations and events like storms or clear days. The atmosphere refers more broadly to the layers of gases surrounding the Earth, while seasons are divisions of the year marked by changes in weather patterns and daylight hours due to the Earth’s tilt and orbit around the sun. Thus, the term that accurately captures the long-term average conditions of a given area is climate.