Final answer:
Temperature and precipitation vary due to factors like air's water-holding capacity, influenced by temperature, and geography such as proximity to oceans and mountains. Tropical areas typically receive more rainfall, while climate change alters precipitation patterns, affecting agriculture and urban planning.
Step-by-step explanation:
Temperature and precipitation vary from place to place and from season to season due to a variety of factors. One of the main reasons why these variations occur is due to the influence of temperature on the water-holding capacity of air. Warm air can contain more moisture, which is why tropical areas usually receive more rainfall compared to other regions.
Additionally, an area's proximity to ocean bodies and mountain ranges can significantly impact precipitation levels. For example, coastal regions tend to have higher humidity and precipitation due to the availability of moisture from the ocean. Conversely, areas on the leeward side of mountains often experience a rain shadow effect, leading to drier conditions.
Climate change is also causing variations in precipitation patterns, with some regions experiencing increases and others decreases. This shifting pattern is influenced by factors such as changes in atmospheric water vapor, evaporation rates, and wind patterns. These changes in climate over the long term can result in alterations to the growing seasons for plants and can pose challenges for agriculture and urban planning.