Weather is the universal conversation topic in English-speaking cultures, especially in Britain where it changes frequently and unpredictably. Beyond small talk, understanding weather vocabulary helps you plan activities, dress appropriately, and stay safe during your travels.
This lesson covers weather descriptions, forecasts, and the essential skill of weather-related small talk that makes you sound like a natural English speaker.
Basic Weather Vocabulary
Start with these fundamental weather words:
Sunny
Bright with sunshine
Cloudy
Sky covered with clouds
Rainy
Water falling from sky
Windy
Strong air movement
Foggy
Low visibility due to mist
Snowy
White frozen precipitation
Temperature Descriptions
How to talk about how hot or cold it is:
Hot / Boiling
Very high temperature
Warm
Pleasantly hot
Mild
Moderate, not extreme
Cool / Chilly
Slightly cold
Cold
Low temperature
Freezing
Extremely cold
"It is absolutely boiling today!"
Expressing that it is very hot.
"It is a bit nippy outside."
British way of saying it is cold.
Temperature Note
The UK and most countries use Celsius, while the US uses Fahrenheit. A warm day is about 25°C (77°F). Zero degrees Celsius equals 32°F (freezing point of water).
Weather Small Talk
Weather is the perfect conversation starter. Here are natural-sounding phrases:
You
Lovely weather we are having, isn't it?
Stranger
Yes, it is beautiful! I hope it stays like this for the weekend.
You
Me too. The forecast says it might rain on Sunday though.
Stranger
Oh no, that is typical! You can never trust British weather.
"What miserable weather!"
Commenting on bad weather.
"Can you believe this rain?"
Expressing surprise at persistent rain.
"It looks like it might clear up later."
Optimistic comment about improving weather.
Types of Rain
English has many words for rain because it rains so often:
Drizzle
Light, fine rain
Shower
Brief period of rain
Downpour
Heavy, sudden rain
Torrential rain
Extremely heavy rain
Scattered showers
Rain in some areas, not others
Pouring
Raining heavily
"It is pouring outside. Do you have an umbrella?"
Describing heavy rain and asking about rain protection.
Weather Forecasts
Understanding forecast language helps you plan:
"Partly cloudy with a chance of showers" - Some clouds, possible rain
"Temperatures will reach the mid-twenties" - Around 25°C expected
"A cold front is moving in" - Colder weather coming
"Expect sunny spells throughout the day" - Periods of sunshine
"Overnight lows near freezing" - Very cold at night
"What is the forecast for tomorrow?"
Asking about expected weather.
"Is it supposed to rain this weekend?"
Asking about predicted rain.
Extreme Weather
Vocabulary for more severe conditions:
Storm / Thunderstorm
Severe weather with wind, rain, lightning
Heatwave
Extended period of very hot weather
Blizzard
Severe snowstorm with strong wind
Hurricane / Typhoon
Powerful tropical storm
Flood
Water covering normally dry land
Drought
Long period without rain
Weather-Related Decisions
Phrases for making plans based on weather:
You
Should we go to the beach today?
Friend
I am not sure. It looks a bit overcast.
You
The weather app says it will brighten up by noon.
Friend
Okay, let us wait and see. We can always go to a museum if it rains.
"The weather is too bad for hiking today."
Weather preventing outdoor activity.
"Let us make the most of this sunshine!"
Taking advantage of good weather.
Useful Weather Expressions
"Nice day for it!"
General positive comment about weather
"It is clearing up"
Weather is improving
"It is blowing a gale"
Very windy
"Not a cloud in the sky"
Perfectly clear and sunny
Cultural Tip
In Britain, complaining about the weather is a national pastime and a way to bond with strangers. Whether it is too hot, too cold, or too rainy, joining in the weather complaints is a great way to connect with locals!
Weather talk is an essential social skill in English. Practice these phrases and you will always have something to say when conversation stalls. In our final lesson, we will cover saying goodbye and ending conversations gracefully.