Many of the themes and topics in this book identify specific ways the
elements can determine the clothing people wear, their leisure time pur-
suits, customs, history, economic and social relationships, and various
transportation modes. Weather and climate, it is noted, are factors in the
spread of disease, the state of people's health, and the manner in which
those subject to extraordinary weather occurrences react to others during
times of crises.

People tend to take so-called normal weather in stride and infrequently
refer to it in their discussions and daily greetings. Exceptionally pleasant
weather can, however, quickly become a topic of conversation for those
who delight in observing fine weather. In contrast, the arrival of a severe
storm or other harsh or inclement weather is usually the source of great
concern and even fear that the forbidding weather might cause property
damage, human injuries, or even death. When that occurs, it seems that
everyone wants to talk about it, eagerly giving advice and warnings on
ways to deal with its severity.

This book underscores a number of advances being made by modern
technology, particularly those used by weather forecasting centers de-
signed to alert possible victims who may be in harm's way and to temper
future weather catastrophes.

Due to the Weather endeavors to provide the reader with an apprecia-
tion and awareness of how weather and climate factors play a significant
role in determining many human relationships, past and present. More-
over, it is hoped that this book will help foster a greater knowledge and
understanding of certain weather conditions found throughout the
world. It is also a desire that the content covered may enable the reader
to have opportunities to consider the extent that the weather factor may
have as a major determiner in shaping people's lives and destinies.

The volume reveals a broad array of meaningful, diverse, and rather
startling ways the elements affect our lives. It presents hundreds of me-
teorological events, expository facts, and anecdotes that demonstrate the
diverse methods people utilize in coping with or adjusting to weather
phenomenon.

This book is divided into two parts. The first describes in detail twenty
different kinds of weather elements and specific ways each impacts peo-
ple's lives. The second part identifies ten distinct topics that best illus-
trate how weather affects human culture and activities.

At the end of each chapter four representative weather station climo-
graphs are provided for analysis. They graphically reflect the general
climatic conditions associated with worldwide places that most often ex-
perience the type of weather described in that chapter. The climograph

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