Class 7 Social Science Part 1 Chapter 2 – Understanding the Weather with easy NCERT and CBSE Notes, Solutions, Questions & Answers and Worksheet. Learn about weather, temperature, humidity, air pressure, wind and rainfall with simple Class 7 study material for revision and exam preparation.
Understanding the Weather
Class 7 Social Science – Exploring Society: India and Beyond
Grade 7 Part 1 | Reprint 2026–27
The Big Questions
1. What is Weather? — Pages 27–28
Weather is the state of the Earth’s atmosphere at a particular time and place.
The Troposphere
The troposphere is the layer of the atmosphere closest to the Earth’s surface. Humans, animals and plants live and breathe in this layer. Almost all weather phenomena take place in the troposphere.
The troposphere extends about 6 to 18 kilometres above the ground. It is thinner near the poles and thicker in the tropical regions.
Layers of the Earth’s atmosphere.
Words Used to Describe Weather
Hot
Weather with high temperature.
Cold
Weather with low temperature.
Rainy
Weather when rain is falling or expected.
Cloudy
Weather when the sky has many clouds.
Humid
Weather with a large amount of water vapour in the air.
Windy
Weather with noticeable movement of air.
2. Elements of Weather — Page 29
The five main elements of weather are:
1. Temperature
It tells us how hot or cold the atmosphere is.
2. Precipitation
Water that falls from the sky as rain, snow, sleet or hail.
3. Atmospheric Pressure
The pressure caused by the weight of the air above us.
4. Wind
The movement of air. Its speed and direction are important.
5. Humidity
The amount of water vapour present in the air.
3. Traditional Ways of Predicting Weather — Pages 29–30
Since ancient times, people have observed Nature to understand possible changes in weather.
- Birds flying low may indicate changing weather.
- Ants carrying eggs to higher ground may indicate expected heavy rain.
- Squirrels gathering nuts may provide clues about changing seasons.
- Frogs croaking loudly may indicate approaching rain.
- Pine cones open and close according to environmental humidity.
Today, meteorologists use scientific instruments and large amounts of weather data to make forecasts.
4. Temperature — Pages 31–33
Temperature tells us how hot or cold the atmosphere is. It can be measured using a thermometer.
Temperature Scales
Celsius
Temperature is written in degrees Celsius, such as 15°C.
Fahrenheit
Temperature can also be written in degrees Fahrenheit, such as 59°F.
For example: 15°C = 59°F
Example of a thermometer.
Maximum and Minimum Temperature
Some thermometers record the highest and lowest temperatures during a day. Digital thermometers are increasingly used because they can be precise and record more data.
Example from the Textbook
| Date | Maximum °C | Minimum °C |
|---|---|---|
| 28.02.2025 | 29 | 16 |
| 01.03.2025 | 30 | 15 |
| 02.03.2025 | 31 | 17 |
| 03.03.2025 | 32 | 18 |
| 04.03.2025 | 30 | 17 |
| 05.03.2025 | 28 | 14 |
| 06.03.2025 | 29 | 15 |
Minimum temperature: 14°C
Range: 32 − 14 = 18°C
5. Precipitation and Rainfall — Page 33
Precipitation includes water falling from the sky in forms such as rain, snow, sleet and hail.
Rainwater falls into a funnel and is collected in a cylinder. A scale measures the depth of water collected.
A rain gauge used to measure rainfall.
How to Place a Rain Gauge
- Place it in an open area.
- Keep it away from objects that block rainfall.
- Keep it on a flat surface.
- Make sure it does not tilt or fall in the wind.
- Take the reading at the same time every day.
6. Atmospheric Pressure — Pages 34–35
Atmospheric pressure is the pressure exerted by the weight of air above and around us.
Pressure and Height
- Atmospheric pressure is generally higher near sea level.
- It becomes lower as we go higher into the mountains.
- At high altitudes, the air is thinner.
- There is less oxygen available for our lungs.
Atmospheric pressure is generally measured in millibars (mb).
A low-pressure system can sometimes develop into a storm or cyclone.
High Altitude Example
Khardung La in Ladakh is more than 5600 metres above sea level. The atmospheric pressure there is generally about 650 millibars.
7. Wind — Pages 36–37
Wind is the movement of air from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure.
The two important features of wind are:
Wind Direction
The direction from which the wind is blowing.
Wind Speed
How fast the air is moving.
Wind Vane
A wind vane is used to show the direction of the wind.
Wind Sock
A wind sock is used at airports to give pilots an indication of wind direction during take-off and landing.
Anemometer
An anemometer measures wind speed. It usually has cups that rotate when the wind blows. Stronger wind makes the cups rotate faster.
Wind information is useful to pilots, sailors and farmers. It also helps meteorologists in weather forecasting.8. Humidity — Pages 37–38
Humidity is the amount of water vapour present in the air.
Humidity is affected by temperature, wind, atmospheric pressure and location. Places near the sea often have higher humidity.
- 0% means no water vapour.
- 100% means the air is saturated with water vapour.
- Dry weather usually has about 20%–40% relative humidity.
- Humid weather usually has about 60%–80% relative humidity.
9. Weather Stations — Page 39
A weather station brings together different instruments used to measure weather. Readings are taken regularly to monitor and forecast weather.
Automated Weather Station
An Automated Weather Station (AWS) is a self-operating system. It uses sensors to measure and record:
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Wind speed
- Wind direction
- Precipitation
- Atmospheric pressure
AWS systems are useful in agriculture, aviation, navigation and environmental monitoring.
10. Predicting the Weather — Pages 39–41
Meteorologists collect weather data over long periods. They study this information using scientific methods to predict future weather.
Heavy Rain
Forecasts can help people prepare for flooding and waterlogging.
Cyclones
People in coastal areas can be warned and evacuated if necessary.
Heat Waves
People can reduce outdoor activity and take safety measures.
Drought
Farmers and governments can prepare water and crop plans.
Why are Weather Predictions Important?
- They help people prepare for extreme weather.
- They help governments mobilise resources.
- They help protect lives and property.
- Fishermen can be warned not to go into dangerous seas.
- Coastal areas can be evacuated before a cyclone.
- Farmers can plan agricultural activities.
- Transport and aviation can be managed more safely.
11. Weather Warnings — Pages 40–41
The India Meteorological Department uses weather warnings to communicate dangerous or changing weather conditions.
No Warning
No major weather danger is indicated.
Watch
Stay updated about possible weather changes.
Alert
Be prepared for possible severe weather.
Warning
Take necessary action to stay safe.
Weather Conditions Mentioned by IMD
Ground frost, strong surface winds, thunder and lightning, hot and humid conditions, heat waves, cold waves, cold days, fog, heavy rain, very heavy rain, extremely heavy rain, heavy snow, hailstorms and dust storms may be included in weather warnings.
12. Before We Move On — Page 42
- Temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind and atmospheric pressure together define weather at a particular place.
- Special instruments are used to measure these weather elements.
- Weather data helps us monitor and predict weather.
- Different weather elements may become more important at different times.
- Rainfall may be especially important during July.
- Temperature may be important during May and December.
- Atmospheric pressure becomes important when a cyclone is moving.
- Wind is important when a loo is blowing or forest fires are spreading.
- Weather is closely linked to climate.
13. Weather Instruments at a Glance
| Instrument | Measures |
|---|---|
| Thermometer | Temperature |
| Rain gauge | Precipitation / Rainfall |
| Barometer | Atmospheric pressure |
| Wind vane | Wind direction |
| Anemometer | Wind speed |
| Hygrometer | Humidity |
14. Important Terms
15. Questions and Activities – Textbook Solutions
Instrument used Element of the Weather
(1) Hygrometer (a) Precipitation
(2) Anemometer (b) Atmospheric pressure
(3) Barometer (c) Wind direction and speed
(4) Thermometer (d) Humidity
(5) Rain gauge (e) Temperature
| Instrument | Correct Element |
|---|---|
| (1) Hygrometer | (d) Humidity |
| (2) Anemometer | (c) Wind direction and speed |
| (3) Barometer | (b) Atmospheric pressure |
| (4) Thermometer | (e) Temperature |
| (5) Rain gauge | (a) Precipitation |
1. The school vegetable garden.
2. The terrace of the school building.
3. Open ground with elevated platform.
4. Compound wall of school.
5. Verandah of the school laboratory.
Discuss in your group and finalise the site. Write down the reasons for your decision.
Note: ACT means actual; NOR means normal; DEP is departure from normal; R/F is rainfall; S/N is snowfall; TR means trace amount.
“On 01 February 2024, weather conditions varied across Jammu and Kashmir. Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 6.5°C and a minimum of 0.2°C. Qazigund recorded 3.2°C as the maximum and −0.4°C as the minimum. Pahalgam recorded a maximum of 1.1°C and a minimum of −4.1°C. Gulmarg was the coldest among the listed stations, with a maximum temperature of −2.6°C and a minimum of −7.6°C.
Relative humidity was generally high. It reached 100% at Gulmarg at 1730 hours. Several places received rainfall, while some also recorded snowfall. Qazigund, Pahalgam and Kukernag received notable precipitation. Overall, the weather was cold and humid across many parts of Jammu and Kashmir.”
16. Quick Revision
- Weather means the condition of the atmosphere at a particular time and place.
- The five elements of weather are temperature, precipitation, atmospheric pressure, wind and humidity.
- Thermometer measures temperature.
- Rain gauge measures rainfall.
- Barometer measures atmospheric pressure.
- Wind vane shows wind direction.
- Anemometer measures wind speed.
- Hygrometer measures humidity.
- Weather station brings different measuring instruments together.
- Meteorologists study weather data and prepare forecasts.
- Weather forecasts help people prepare for heavy rain, cyclones, heat waves, droughts and other severe weather.
17. Easy Memory Table
| Remember | Answer |
|---|---|
| Hot or cold | Temperature |
| Rain or snow | Precipitation |
| Weight of air | Atmospheric pressure |
| Moving air | Wind |
| Water vapour | Humidity |
| Temperature instrument | Thermometer |
| Rainfall instrument | Rain gauge |
| Pressure instrument | Barometer |
| Wind speed instrument | Anemometer |
| Humidity instrument | Hygrometer |