Perry and his buddies were ecstatic about whiling away the muggy afternoon at a nearby waterfall. Nothing beat this hidden oasis for escaping the summer's oppressive heat. However, as the boys were splashing in the cascade's refreshing pool, they didn't notice an enormous thunderhead moving in until it blotted out the sunlight. Crisp, hard winds kicked up, ripping a chill through the humidity. The boys simultaneously reached the pool's edge just as the first sharp wave of thunder cracked. Lit by flashes of lightning and shivering, they sprinted to the shelter of Perry's car.

What role does the change in weather play in the plot?
It provides a symbol to represent the lesson of always being prepared for surprising events.
2 It exposes the fear that the characters feel when confronted by unexpected situations.
It presents a temporary conflict and shows how the characters address the circumstances.

The correct answer is: 3 It presents a temporary conflict and shows how the characters address the circumstances.

The change in weather plays the role of presenting a temporary conflict and showing how the characters address the circumstances.

The change in weather in the story serves the purpose of presenting a temporary conflict and showing how the characters address the circumstances. In this scene, the sudden arrival of the thunderstorm disrupts the enjoyable moment the boys were having at the waterfall. It introduces a sense of urgency and fear as they realize they need to find shelter quickly. The change in weather creates tension and drives the plot forward as the boys sprint to seek refuge in Perry's car. Therefore, option 3 is the correct answer: "It presents a temporary conflict and shows how the characters address the circumstances."