a long-term increase in the Earth’s average temperature.

Much of airborne moisture falls as rain on the windward side of mountains. This often means that the land on the other side of the mountain (the leeward side) gets far less rain—an effect called a “rain shadow”—which often produces a desert.

Mountain ranges in a path of prevailing winds affect precipitation on either side of a mountain. The windward side of the mountain, the side the wind hits has higher precipitation in the form of rain or snow, while the land on the other side of the mountain, leeward side, will have little precipitation.

The air rising on the windward side of the mountain has lost its moisture and cooled as it passes over the peaks. The cool air is now denser and sinks down the other side of the mountain (leeward side). Therefore, the leeward side of the mountain is drier than the windward side. This effect is called a rain shadow.

Scientists classify climates according to two major factors: temperature and precipitation.

The types of climates are: Tropical, Desert/dry, Temperate, Polar, Mediterranean. Polar climate (also called boreal climate), has long, usually very cold winters, and short summers. Temperate climates have four seasons.

Temperate climates cycle through all four seasons—winter, spring, summer, and autumn. Much of the United States is in a temperate climate zone. Polar climates are usually cold and dry most of the year. Antarctica is in a polar climate zone.

The two most important factors in the climate of an area are temperature and precipitation. The yearly average temperature of the area is obviously important, but the yearly range in temperature is also important. Some areas have a much larger range between highest and lowest temperature than other areas.

The most important natural factors are:

• distance from the sea.
• ocean currents.
• direction of prevailing winds.
• shape of the land (known as ‘relief’ or ‘topography’)
• distance from the equator.
• the El Niño phenomenon.

Factors that Influence Climate

• Elevation or Altitude effect climate. Normally, climatic conditions become colder as altitude increases.
• Prevailing global wind patterns. There are 3 major wind patterns found in the Northern Hemisphere and also 3 in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Topography.
• Effects of Geography.
• Surface of the Earth.
• Climate change over time.

Although many factors combine to influence weather, the four main ones are solar radiation, the amount of which changes with Earth’s tilt, orbital distance from the sun and latitude, temperature, air pressure and the abundance of water.

There are six major natural climate factors: air masses and winds, latitude, ocean currents, elevation, relief, and bodies of water.

Weather conditions are determined by six major factors: air temperature, air pressure, humidity of the air, amount and kind of cloud cover, amount and kind of precipitation, and speed and direction of the wind.

The five factors that determine the weather of any land area are: the amount of solar energy received because of latitude; the area’s elevation or proximity to mountains; nearness to large bodies of water and relative temperatures of land and water; the number of such storm systems as cyclones, hurricanes, and …

The three main factors of weather are light (solar radiation), water (moisture) and temperature.

Factors influencing insolation

• Solar constant.
• The angle of incidence of the sun’s rays.
• Duration of the day.
• Earth Distance from Sun.
• Transparency of the atmosphere.

The local and regional effects of climate on the weathering, erosion, and transport of rocks clearly contribute much to the European landscape, and the length and warmth of the growing season, the amount and seasonal range of rainfall, and the incidence of frost affect the distribution of vegetation.

Types of severe weather phenomena vary, depending on the latitude, altitude, topography, and atmospheric conditions. High winds, hail, excessive precipitation, and wildfires are forms and effects of severe weather, as are thunderstorms, downbursts, tornadoes, waterspouts, tropical cyclones, and extratropical cyclones.

Tornado: clouds, strong wind, rain, hail. Hurricane or cyclone: strong wind, heavy rain. Blizzard: heavy snow, ice, cold temperatures. Dust storm: strong winds, arid conditions.

Stay away from windows or cover them. -Using plywood or tape to cover windows can protect it against breaking from heavy winds or rain. Another option to prepare is to set up a space without windows to wait out the storm until the threat passes. 3….

• Seek shelter.
• Gather supplies like food.
• Gather pets.

Prepare! Don’t Let Severe Weather Take You by Surprise

1. Be Weather-Ready: Check the forecast regularly to see if you’re at risk for severe weather.
2. Sign Up for Notifications: Know how your community sends warning.
3. Practice Your Plan: Conduct a family severe thunderstorm drill regularly so everyone knows what to do if a damaging wind or large hail is approaching.

Maintain emergency supplies – fresh water, flashlights, batteries, non-perishable foods, etc. – and check your stockpile regularly to make sure your supply is fresh. FEMA recommends keeping a 2 weeks supply of food and water, including 1 gallon of water for each family member per day.

Follow these important hurricane preparedness tips from CDC:

1. Prepare for a hurricane: Take basic steps now to ensure your safety should a storm hit.
2. Get emergency supplies: Stock your home and your car with supplies.
3. Make a plan: Create a family disaster plan.
4. Prepare to evacuate: Never ignore an evacuation order.