Weather is what the sky and air are like outside each day. Young learners can observe weather by looking for sun, clouds, rain, snow, and wind. Knowing the weather helps us choose safe clothes and plan activities.
A weather wheel makes it easy to sort and name the main kinds of weather.
Key Facts
- Sunny weather means the Sun is easy to see and the sky may look bright.
- Rainy weather happens when water drops fall from clouds.
- Cloudy weather means many clouds cover the sky and block some sunlight.
- Snowy weather happens when frozen water crystals fall from clouds.
- Windy weather means moving air can blow leaves, hair, flags, and kites.
- Weather can change during the day, so observing more than once gives better information.
Vocabulary
- Weather
- Weather is the condition of the sky and air at a certain time and place.
- Sunny
- Sunny means the Sun is shining and the sky looks bright.
- Rainy
- Rainy means water drops are falling from clouds.
- Cloudy
- Cloudy means many clouds are covering part or most of the sky.
- Windy
- Windy means the air is moving strongly enough to feel or see its effects.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Calling every gray sky rainy is a mistake because cloudy weather can happen without raindrops falling.
- Thinking sunny weather is always hot is a mistake because the Sun can shine on cool or cold days too.
- Forgetting to match clothes to the weather is a mistake because a raincoat helps in rain, while mittens help in snow.
- Using only one clue to name the weather is a mistake because good observers look at the sky, feel the air, and notice what is moving.
Practice Questions
- 1 A class records the weather for 5 days: sunny, rainy, sunny, cloudy, windy. How many days were sunny?
- 2 Maya has 2 sunny picture cards, 3 rainy picture cards, and 1 snowy picture card. How many weather cards does she have in all?
- 3 A child sees dark clouds and feels strong moving air, but no water is falling. Which weather labels might fit best, and what should the child wear or bring?