How do meteorology and climatology differ?

Meteorology and climatology have distinct focuses within the field of atmospheric sciences. Meteorology is primarily concerned with short-term weather phenomena and conditions; it analyzes and forecasts the weather on scales of minutes to days. Meteorologists examine various atmospheric components such as temperature, humidity, wind patterns, and pressure to make predictions about the weather.

On the other hand, climatology deals with long-term trends and averages in weather patterns over extended periods, typically decades to centuries. Climatologists study historical weather data to understand changes in climate, seasonal variations, and how different factors influence long-term climate trends.

Understanding this distinction is essential for grasping how each field contributes to our knowledge of the atmosphere. While meteorology provides immediate and short-term insights necessary for daily weather forecasts, climatology offers a broader perspective on the climate system and how it evolves over time.