Where in the atmosphere does weather primarily occur?

Weather primarily occurs in the troposphere, which is the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere. This layer extends from the surface up to about 8 to 15 kilometers in altitude, depending on the location and conditions. The troposphere is where nearly all meteorological phenomena take place, including clouds, precipitation, storms, and winds, due to its proximity to the Earth's surface where air temperature, humidity, and pressure can fluctuate significantly.

The processes that drive weather patterns, such as convection, evaporation, and condensation, primarily happen within this layer. The presence of water vapor, which is crucial for cloud formation and precipitation, is also most concentrated in the troposphere. In contrast, the stratosphere, mesosphere, and thermosphere contain less water vapor and are characterized by more stable atmospheric conditions, making them less conducive to the dynamic processes that create weather. Thus, the troposphere is the key layer for atmospheric activity related to weather phenomena.