Have you ever wondered what makes it rain or snow, or why the wind blows? Weather is caused by a combination of heat, wind, and moisture. The sun provides heat, which warms the air. Warm air rises, and cool air takes its place, creating wind. When the rising warm air cools down, it forms clouds, which can lead to rain or snow.
Meteorologists, or weather scientists, use tools like satellites and weather balloons to predict the weather. Satellites take pictures from space, showing cloud patterns and storm systems. Weather balloons measure temperature, humidity, and pressure at different heights in the atmosphere, sending data back to meteorologists on the ground.
However, our weather is changing due to a process called climate change. Increased amounts of carbon dioxide in the air trap heat from the sun, causing global temperatures to rise. This is leading to more extreme weather events, like hotter summers and heavier rainfalls. As we continue to learn about weather, it is important to understand how our actions can affect it.