Weather

English speakers love to talk about the weather. It is a way of breaking the ice (starting a conversation). People talk about the weather on the phone and in person. Friends and family talk about the weather before they discuss what's new. Co-workers talk about the weather before starting a hard day of work. Even strangers discuss the weather. Learn the proper vocabulary and expressions, and you will find it easy to start a conversation anytime and anywhere with anyone you meet!

Common questions and responses about Weather

One common mistake learners make when talking about the weather is mixing up the noun², adjective³ and verb⁴ forms of weather words.

Example 1: How's the weather?
It is snow. Incorrect
It is snowing. Correct
It is snowy. Correct

Example 2: What's it like out?
It is rain. Incorrect
It is raining. Correct
It is rainy. Correct

Example 3: What's the weather like?
It is sun. Incorrect
It is sunny. Correct
The sun is shining. Correct

Expressions used in a weather report:

• a high of twenty degrees
• a low of -25
• 20 percent chance of snow
• mainly sunny
• sunny with cloudy periods
• record high/low
• above/below average temperatures
• a few flurries
• 5-day forecast
• temperatures are going to drop/dip/plunge (go down quickly)
• temperatures are going to rise/soar/climb (go up quickly)
• a warm/cold front is moving in (air from another region is arriving)