Physical geography · Both
Weather & Climate
Weather is short-term; climate is long-term average. Understanding pressure systems helps explain UK conditions and hazards.
Pressure systems
• **Low pressure (depression)** – rising air, clouds, rain, stronger winds
• **High pressure (anticyclone)** – sinking air, clearer skies; hot in summer, cold/fog possible in winter
UK climate influences
• Latitude
• Maritime influence (Atlantic)
• Prevailing south-westerlies
• Relief rainfall over uplands (relevant to Wales)
Practice questions
1. Weather vs climate?
2. What weather is typical of a depression?