American Meteorological Society Certification (AMS) Practice

The term that defines the properties of the atmosphere at a specific time and location is "weather." Weather encompasses the short-term atmospheric conditions that include elements such as temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind speed, and atmospheric pressure. These conditions can change rapidly over a period of minutes to hours or days, which is why forecasts focus on the immediate changes in the atmosphere.

In contrast, climate refers to the long-term average of weather patterns in a particular area over an extended period, typically at least 30 years. This distinction is crucial because climate provides a broader context for understanding the typical weather patterns experienced over time.

Atmospheric conditions, while also relevant, are often used more generally and do not specifically emphasize the temporal aspect of "now" or "at a specific location" as clearly as the term weather does. Seasonal patterns refer to predictable changes in weather that occur during specific times of the year, which again highlights a longer-term view rather than the immediate state of the atmosphere. Thus, "weather" is the most accurate term to describe the properties of the atmosphere at a specific time and location.