Grade 8 Social Sciences
Weather and Climate
Learner Notes
Learning Outcomes
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Define weather and climate.
Explain the difference between weather and climate.
Identify the elements of weather.
Describe how weather affects daily life.
Read simple weather information.
What is Weather?
Weather is the condition of the atmosphere at a particular place and time. It changes from
hour to hour or day to day. Examples: sunny, rainy, windy, cloudy, hot, cold.
What is Climate?
Climate is the average weather conditions of a place over 30 years or more. It changes
slowly.
Difference Between Weather and Climate
Weather is short-term and changes daily. Climate is the long-term average over many years.
Elements of Weather
Temperature (measured by thermometer in °C), Humidity (measured by hygrometer), Wind
(direction by wind vane; speed by anemometer), Precipitation (rain, snow, hail, sleet;
measured by rain gauge).
Importance of Weather
Weather affects farming, transport, clothing, tourism and sport.
Weather Forecast
Meteorologists use satellites, radar, weather stations and computers to predict weather.
South Africa's Climate
Different climates occur because of latitude, altitude, ocean currents, relief and distance
from the sea. Examples: Western Cape—Mediterranean; KwaZulu-Natal—warm and humid;
Northern Cape—hot and dry.
Key Vocabulary
Term
Meaning
Weather
Daily condition of atmosphere
Climate
Average weather over many years
Temperature
Hotness or coldness
Humidity
Water vapour in air
Wind
Moving air
Precipitation
Water falling from clouds
Revision Questions
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Define weather.
Define climate.
List four elements of weather.
Name four weather instruments and what they measure.
Explain three ways weather affects daily life.
Give two differences between weather and climate.