---
title: "Geography & Local Weather"
description: "Know that places have different typical weather: tropical rainforests are usually warm and wet, deserts are very dry and can be hot or cold, and polar regions are usually cold. Distance from the equat"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/geography-and-local-weather-mt_hjJkBWruO6
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/geography-and-local-weather-mt_hjJkBWruO6.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# Geography & Local Weather

Know that places have different typical weather: tropical rainforests are usually warm and wet, deserts are very dry and can be hot or cold, and polar regions are usually cold. Distance from the equator, height above sea level and nearness to the sea affect local weather.

Subject: Science · Area: Weather & Climate · Ages 7 to 9
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/geography-and-local-weather-mt_hjJkBWruO6

## Ready when they can

- Describe typical weather in at least three different climate types
- Explain that places near the equator tend to be hotter
- Name at least one factor that affects a place's weather besides latitude

## Lesson: Why weather is different around the world

You have learned weather words and seasonal patterns. Places also have different usual weather. Tropical rainforests are warm and wet. Deserts get very little rain and can be hot or cold. Polar places are usually cold. Weather still changes from day to day in each place.

*(drawing: Made-up yearly rainfall in centimetres: rainforest 200, desert 10. These examples compare wet and dry places, not every rainforest or desert.)*

The equator is an imaginary line around Earth's middle. Near it, sunlight is more direct through the year, so low places tend to be warmer. Toward the poles, sunlight spreads over more ground and gives less warming. Polar summers are not always below freezing.

Height matters too. Air is usually colder higher above sea level. A tall mountain near the equator can have a snowy peak. The sea also matters. Water warms and cools slowly, so nearby land often has smaller temperature swings than places far inland.

*(drawing: Nearby sea water can keep land from getting as hot or as cold.)*

**Example.** Being near the equator helps warm low places. It does not tell you how much rain they get. Some warm places are wet rainforests; others are dry deserts.

To compare places, check distance from the equator, height above sea level and distance from the sea. Two places can share one factor but differ in the others. Rainfall matters too: warmth alone does not make a desert.

**Recap.** Distance from the equator, height above sea level, and closeness to the ocean all shape a place's everyday weather.

## Practice

8 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Seasons & Weather Patterns](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/seasons-and-weather-patterns-mt_fI-8iqf_Id)
- [Types of Weather](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/types-of-weather-mt_jc9k_HJQGd)

## Opens up

- [Weather vs Climate](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/weather-vs-climate-mt_AB-TEMXSGJ)
- [Polar Climate Zone](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/polar-climate-zone-mt_GbZFuGDFsa)
- [Climate Zones](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/climate-zones-mt_TMOzMCE17H)
- [Tropical Rainforest Climate](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/tropical-rainforest-climate-mt_v6CBCMuvz1)