How Does the Weather Affect Us?

People are affected a great deal by the weather.

The weather affects people in many ways. Fortunately, the increasing accuracy of weather forecasts made by meteorologists who study the earth's atmosphere gives people an idea of what they can expect.

Dress

The weather affects what clothing people wear. When the temperature drops, people often bring out the sweaters and winter coats.

Planning

Activities are often planned around the weather report. An alternative plan must be made in case of inclement weather for outdoor weddings or high school graduations.

Economy

Adverse weather conditions can greatly lessen the crop a farmer yields, resulting in higher store prices. Hurricanes, floods and tornadoes can also leave devastating marks on communities, resulting in death, homelessness and economic destruction.

Transportation

Snow, ice or strong winds can delay flights and cause accidents on the nation's roadways, while storms at sea provide dangerous conditions for fishermen and other small craft.

Location

The weather often determines where people want to live. Those who prefer warmer weather choose to live in places like Florida or Hawaii.

Health

Biometeorologists study how weather affects overall health. Hot weather can cause heatstroke, dehydration or sunburn, while damp weather can cause arthritis and other medical conditions to flare up.

References

• World Book at NASA
• BBC Weather