The primary energy source that drives weather patterns on Earth is solar energy. The sun’s energy heats the Earth's surface unevenly due to factors like latitude and topography. This uneven heating leads to variations in air pressure and temperature, causing the movement of air masses and the creation of winds. Additionally, solar energy influences ocean currents and water cycles, contributing to precipitation and climate variations. Understanding solar energy's role is crucial in meteorology and climatology as it forms the basis for weather predictions and climate models.