the average weather condition in an area over a long period of time is called
Climate is what we expect, weather is what we get. Climate refers to the average weather conditions in a certain place over many years. For example, the climate in Minnesota is cold and snowy in the winter, and the climate in Honolulu, Hawaii, is warm and humid all year long. The climate in one area, like the Midwest or Hawaii, is called a regional climate. The average climate around the world is called global climate. When scientists talk about global climate change, they're talking about the global climate and a pattern of change that's happening over many years.