Weather Patterns

Weather patterns are the regular ways that weather changes over time. They are caused by the sun heating Earth unevenly. Wind, water, and air pressure all create weather patterns. Understanding these patterns helps us predict what the weather will be.

What Creates Weather

The sun heats the Earth's surface, warming the air above it. Warm air rises and cool air sinks, creating wind. Water evaporates from oceans and lakes, forming clouds. When clouds get heavy with water, it rains or snows. These processes repeat in patterns.

Predicting Weather

Weather forecasters use tools like satellites, radar, and weather balloons. They track air pressure, temperature, and wind to predict weather. Low pressure usually brings storms and rain. High pressure usually means clear skies. Weather forecasts help people plan their activities.

Fun Facts

• The jet stream is a river of fast wind high in the atmosphere that affects weather patterns.
• Weather satellites can see clouds and storms from space.
• The fastest wind ever recorded on Earth was 253 miles per hour during a tornado.

Did You Know?

El Nino is a weather pattern that happens when the Pacific Ocean gets warmer than usual. It can change weather around the entire world, bringing floods to some places and droughts to others!