How is the term "climate" typically defined?

The term "climate" is typically defined as the long-term average of weather patterns in a region. This definition encompasses the statistical patterns and trends of weather over extended periods, typically 30 years or more. Climate includes the averages of temperature, humidity, wind speed, and precipitation, among other factors, providing a comprehensive understanding of what conditions are generally expected in a particular area across various seasons and years.

By considering these long-term averages, scientists can distinguish climate from weather, which refers to short-term atmospheric conditions and can change from minute to minute or day to day. Recognizing the difference between these two concepts is crucial in fields such as meteorology and climatology, where understanding patterns over time aids in predicting future climate trends and assessing climate change impacts.