English Vocabulary in Use Advanced » Unit 29: Weather and climate
Schemes for dividing the Earth into climatic regions are based on a combination of indices of mean annual temperature, mean monthly temperature, annual precipitation totals and seasonality. The climate of a place is affected by several factors. Latitude affects the amount of solar radiation received, with the greatest in equatorial regions and the least in polar regions. Elevation affects both temperature and precipitation; mountainous areas are generally cooler and wetter. Location close to the sea or to large bodies of water moderates temperature; continental areas are generally more arid and more affected by extremes of temperature.
Here are some less common but nonetheless useful words about weather, so that you can have typical weather conversations where you agree with someone by using a near-synonym. In these examples, B replies using more informal language.
A: Bit cold today, isn’t it?
B: Yes, it’s chilly/freezing/nippy, isn’t it?
A: It’s hot, isn’t it?
B: Yes, it’s boiling/sweltering/roasting!
A: It’s a bit windy today!
B: Yes, really blowy/breezy, isn’t it?
A: What oppressive/sultry weather!
B: Yes, isn’t it stifling/heavy/close?
A: What a downpour/deluge!
B: Yes, it’s chucking it down / it’s pouring!
A: Isn’t it humid today?
B: Yes, horrible muggy/clammy/sticky weather!
Climate metaphors are often used, particularly in written English.
The word climate can refer to the general atmosphere or situation in society.
His secrecy and dishonesty created a climate of distrust.
The government reforms have contributed to a climate of change.
The words cultural, current, economic, financial, moral, political, social and prevailing all collocate strongly with climate in this social sense.
She has a very sunny disposition – she’s hardly ever miserable.
Though they won the championship last year, the outlook for the team is less sunny this year.
Unfortunately, our plans met with a frosty reception.
I’m snowed under with work – I’ll never get through it all in time.
After the company accounts were examined, the manager left under a cloud.
Don’t let your love for him cloud your judgement.
The soldiers were hit with a hail of bullets.
The Prime Minister was greeted with a hail/storm of abuse.
I’ve only a hazy memory of my first day at school.
The truth is hidden in the mists of history.
The article sparked a whirlwind of speculation.
They had a whirlwind romance and got married just a month after they met.
The horses thundered down the racetrack.
Thunderous applause followed his speech. (Note that thundery is used to describe stormy weather while thunderous describes a loud, deep noise.)
The winds of change/discontent/democracy are blowing across the country.
The words you need to communicate with confidence. Vocabulary explanations and practice for elementary level (A2) learners of English. Perfect for both self-study and classroom activities. Quickly expand your vocabulary with 60 units of easy to understand explanations and practice exercises.
The words you need to communicate with confidence. Vocabulary explanations and practice for pre-intermediate and intermediate level (B1) learners of English. Perfect for both self-study and classroom activities. Quickly expand your vocabulary with 100 units of easy to understand explanations and practice exercises.
The words you need to communicate with confidence. Vocabulary explanations and practice for Upper-intermediate level (B2) learners of English. Perfect for both self-study and classroom activities. Quickly expand your vocabulary with over 100 units of easy to understand explanations and practice exercises.