Understanding Weather vs. Climate in Los Angeles
CBS LA chief meteorologist Paul Deanno provides insights into the fundamental differences between weather and climate. Weather refers to the short-term atmospheric conditions in a specific area, including temperature, humidity, precipitation, and wind. These conditions can change rapidly, often within minutes or hours. In contrast, climate represents the long-term average of weather patterns over a significant period, typically 30 years or more, in a particular region. Climate encompasses broader trends and variations, such as seasonal changes and long-term shifts in temperature and precipitation. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for interpreting daily forecasts and recognizing broader environmental changes.