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This newer site is one to watch. They pose questions in a different way.
Jennie

Question #60

Why Do Different States Have Different Weather?

One of the first things you probably do when you wake up in the morning is look outside and check the weather. Should you wear a sweater or a raincoat? Snow boots or flip-flops?
But if you have ever talked to a friend from another state, you may have wondered why some states have sunny warm weather while others have snow. Hang onto your umbrella! Today we’re exploring the wild world of weather and climate.
Have you ever wondered…

• Why do different states have different weather?
• What is the difference between weather and climate?
• What factors affect climate?

Did you know?
If you have ever taken a long trip, you may have noticed the weather can be quite different in different parts of the country. For example, if you travel from Detroit to Miami in December, you may need a large suitcase.
The snow and ice of a Detroit winter may mean you wear snow boots and a coat onto the plane, but by the time you get to Miami, you will be ready for a swimsuit and shorts! The reason for the difference in weather is that Detroit and Miami have very different climates.
Weather describes what is happening outdoors at a certain location at a certain time. The weather can change dramatically over a short period of time. Weather includes daily changes in precipitation, humidity, barometric pressure, temperature and wind.
Climate, on the other hand, describes the average weather in a specific location over many years. Climate is what the weather is normally like in your city. For example, Houston has a humid climate, and Seattle has a wet climate.
Many factors, such as elevation, ocean currents, distance from the sea and prevailing winds, can affect the climate of an area. One of the most important things that influences climate, though, is latitude. The latitude of an area indicates how far it is — north or south — of the equator.
Latitude affects climate because it is related to the length and intensity of sunlight an area receives. As Earth orbits the sun, sometimes the northern hemisphere is tipped toward the sun, while at other times the southern hemisphere is tipped toward the sun.
When a location is closer to the sun, its days are longer, and the sun’s rays are stronger and more direct. When our hemisphere is tipped toward the sun, we experience warmer weather and longer days. This is our summer.
When we tip away from the sun, the days are shorter and colder. This is winter.
But none of this explains why Detroit and Miami would have such different weather on the same day in the same month, does it? Actually… it does!
Miami is much closer to the equator than Detroit. This means the tipping of the hemispheres has less extreme effects on Miami than Detroit. Because Miami is closer to the equator, it receives a lot of sunlight and warmth all year long and thus maintains a warm climate.
Try it out!
No need to wait for the weatherman to tell you the forecast when you can make your very own barometer!
A barometer is a special instrument that measures pressure in the atmosphere. By measuring the rising and falling of the waterline in your barometer, you’ll be able to know when to expect sunshine — or when to pack an umbrella!
Wonder words to know and use:

• umbrella
• climate
• temperature
• precipitation
• humidity
• barometric pressure
• elevation
• latitude
• imaginary
• orbit
• axis
• wobble
• equator
• parallel
• forecast
• barometer

Still wondering?
What’s the weather like where you live? Too hot? Too cold? Just right? Continue your climate studies as you investigate Weather Complaints with National Geographic Xpeditions.
Wonder what’s next?
Wonderopolis is cooking up a sweet treat for you! Join us tomorrow as we take a bite out of fairy floss. Yummy!