What is the weather like today? Is it bright and sunny or cold and wet? Is it snowing or boiling hot? Most of us are interested in the weather because it affects our daily lives. Warm and sunny weather is ideal for playing out- side whereas wet weather often keeps us indoors. Climate is the weather in a certain area or place over many years. The weather describes the day-to-day conditions of the atmosphere. It in- cludes the temperature of the air, the amount of sunshine and rainfall, and the wind speed and direction. The weather is studied by scientists called meteorologists. The weather often changes and the forecast needs to be updated. The climate of the UK is described as temperate. This means that it is not very hot or very cold, or very wet or too dry. Generally, it is quite wet and mild. However, there are variations within the different parts of the UK. The western coast of the country is generally warmer than in land. The coldest weather in January is found in Scotland. It is particularly cold over the mountains. This is because the temperature of the air goes down the higher up you are. The weather in the UK can change a great deal from one day to the next, and even during the day. One day we can be wearing shorts and T-shirts and the next sweaters and coats! In the UK, the wind more often comes from the southwest. This wind moves across the Atlantic Ocean and picks up mois- ture. That’s why Britain has plenty of clouds and rain.