Table of Contents
Introduction to Weather Vocabulary
When learning English, it’s essential to have a good grasp of weather vocabulary. Not only is it a common topic of conversation, but it can also help you understand and describe your environment.
Temperature-related Vocabulary
1. Hot (/hɒt/): High temperature, especially when compared to the temperature of the human body.
Ex: The weather today is extremely hot, with temperatures reaching 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Cold (/koʊld/): Low temperature, especially when compared to the temperature of the human body.
Ex: It’s so cold outside that I need to wear a heavy coat and gloves.
3. Warm (/wɔːrm/): Moderately high temperature; comfortable and pleasant.
Ex: The warm weather is perfect for a picnic in the park.
4. Cool (/kuːl/): Moderately low temperature; not cold or hot.
Ex: The cool breeze feels refreshing on this sunny day.
5. Chilly (/ˈtʃɪli/): Slightly cold, especially when it’s colder than expected.
Ex: The mornings have been quite chilly lately, so don’t forget your jacket.
6. Freezing (/ˈfriːzɪŋ): Extremely cold, often below the freezing point of water.
Ex: The freezing temperatures have caused the lake to freeze over.
Precipitation Vocabulary
7. Rain (/reɪn/): Water droplets that fall from the sky.
Ex: I forgot my umbrella, and now I’m soaked from the rain.
8. Snow (/snoʊ/): Frozen precipitation in the form of white or translucent ice crystals.
Ex: The snow is falling gently, creating a beautiful winter landscape.
9. Sleet (/sliːt/): A mixture of rain and snow or ice pellets.
Ex: The sleet made driving conditions hazardous.
10. Hail (/heɪl/): Small, hard balls of ice that fall from the sky, often during thunderstorms.
Ex: The hailstorm damaged the crops and left dents in our car.
11. Drizzle (/ˈdrɪzəl/): Light rain consisting of small water droplets.
Ex: The drizzle is not heavy enough to require an umbrella.
12. Downpour (/ˈdaʊn.pɔːr/): A heavy and sudden rainfall.
Ex: The downpour flooded the streets within minutes.
13. Blizzard (/ˈblɪzərd/): A severe snowstorm with strong winds and low visibility.
Ex: The blizzard forced schools and businesses to close.
Wind-related Vocabulary
14. Windy (/ˈwɪndi/): Characterized by the presence of wind.
Ex: It’s too windy to go for a bike ride today.
15. Breeze (/briːz/): A gentle, light wind.
Ex: The soft breeze rustled the leaves in the trees.
16. Gust (/ɡʌst/): A strong, brief burst of wind.
Ex: A sudden gust of wind knocked over the patio furniture.
17. Gale (/ɡeɪl/): A very strong wind, typically associated with stormy weather.
Ex: The gale-force winds caused damage to the power lines.
Sky and Cloud-related Vocabulary
18. Sunny (/ˈsʌni/): Bright and full of sunlight.
Ex: The sunny weather is perfect for a day at the beach.
19. Cloudy (/ˈklaʊdi/): Covered with clouds; overcast.
Ex: The sky is cloudy, but the weather forecast says it won’t rain.
20. Overcast (/ˈoʊ.vər.kæst/): Completely covered with clouds, blocking the sun.
Ex: The overcast sky made it feel cooler than usual.
21. Foggy (/ˈfɒɡi/): Filled with fog; low visibility due to fog.
Ex: The foggy conditions made it difficult to see while driving.
22. Misty (/ˈmɪsti/): Filled with a fine spray of water droplets, similar to fog but lighter.
Ex: The misty morning gave the forest an ethereal look.
Weather Expressions and Idioms
1. Raining cats and dogs: Heavy rainfall.
Ex: It’s raining cats and dogs, so we’ll have to cancel our outdoor plans.
2. Break the ice: To initiate conversation or ease tension in a social situation.
Ex: Telling a joke is a great way to break the ice at a party.
3. Under the weather: Feeling unwell or sick.
Ex: I’m feeling a bit under the weather today, so I’ll stay home and rest.
4. A storm in a teacup: A situation where people are upset or worried about something unimportant.
Ex: The disagreement between coworkers was just a storm in a teacup and quickly resolved.
5. On cloud nine: Extremely happy or satisfied.
Ex: After receiving a promotion at work, she was on cloud nine for days.
Now that you have an extensive list of weather vocabulary and expressions, you’ll be better equipped to discuss and describe the weather in English.
