What term refers to the average weather conditions in a specific region over a long period of time?

The term that refers to average weather conditions in a specific region over a long period of time is "climate." Climate encompasses the typical patterns of temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind, and other atmospheric elements that are characteristic of a particular area. It is measured over extended periods, usually 30 years or more, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the expected weather conditions in that region. This long-term perspective distinguishes climate from weather, which describes short-term atmospheric conditions and can change rapidly from day to day.

Atmosphere refers to the layers of gases surrounding the Earth, while microclimate denotes localized climatic variations that may be quite different from the general climate of the surrounding area. These concepts pertain to different aspects of environmental science but do not capture the broader, long-term averaged weather patterns that define climate.