Seasonal Weather Changes
Explore how weather patterns transform throughout the year and the astronomical forces behind the seasons.
Why Do Seasons Change?
Seasons occur because Earth's axis is tilted 23.5 degrees relative to its orbit around the sun. This tilt means different parts of Earth receive varying amounts of direct sunlight throughout the year, creating our seasonal weather patterns.
Spring
Spring brings warming temperatures as days become longer. Plants begin to grow, and weather patterns become more variable as winter air masses clash with warmer spring air.
- Increasing daylight hours
- Variable temperatures
- Frequent rain showers
- Plant growth begins
Summer
Summer features the warmest temperatures and longest days. High-pressure systems often dominate, bringing stable, sunny weather with occasional thunderstorms from intense heating.
- Longest daylight hours
- Highest temperatures
- Thunderstorm activity
- Stable weather patterns
Autumn
Autumn brings cooling temperatures and decreasing daylight. Weather patterns become more active as cold air masses begin to move southward, creating dynamic weather conditions.
- Decreasing daylight hours
- Cooling temperatures
- Increased storm activity
- Changing foliage
Winter
Winter brings the coldest temperatures and shortest days. Polar air masses dominate many regions, bringing snow, ice, and stable but cold weather patterns.
- Shortest daylight hours
- Coldest temperatures
- Snow and ice formation
- Dormant plant life
Global Seasonal Variations
While temperate regions experience four distinct seasons, seasonal patterns vary dramatically across the globe. Tropical regions may have wet and dry seasons instead of temperature-based seasons, while polar regions experience extreme variations in daylight rather than temperature.
The timing of seasons also reverses between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres - when it's winter in the north, it's summer in the south, and vice versa.