Why Is the Weather Hot or Cold?

Some days feel hot and sweaty, while other days feel cool or even freezing cold. This happens because Earth does not receive the same amount of sunlight everywhere.

The sun is the main source of heat for Earth. When sunlight hits the ground, it warms the land, water, and air. Places that receive strong sunlight feel hot. Places that receive less sunlight feel cold. In hot weather, temperatures are usually above 30°C, like in Singapore. On cooler days, temperatures may be around 20°C to 25°C. In very cold places during winter, temperatures can drop to 0°C or even below, which is cold enough for snow to form.

Earth is slightly tilted as it moves around the sun. Because of this tilt, different parts of Earth receive different amounts of sunlight at different times of the year. When a place tilts toward the sun, it experiences summer and warmer weather. When it tilts away from the sun, it experiences winter and colder weather.

This is also why countries can have opposite seasons at the same time. When it is summer in Europe, it is winter in Australia. Even though they are on the same planet, they are tilted toward or away from the sun at different times.

Weather can also change because of clouds, wind, and rain. Clouds can block sunlight and make the day feel cooler. Wind can carry warm or cold air from one place to another. That is why people dress differently in different countries and seasons.