Talking About Weather in English | English Podcast for Beginners ☀️⛈️

Hey everyone, welcome back to Everyday English Academy. I'm Sarah.

>> And I'm Mike. Sarah, how are you today? >> Honestly, I'm a bit tired. I looked

outside this morning and it was so gray and rainy. >> Oh, no. Did it make you want to stay in bed?

>> Yes, exactly. I just wanted to pull the covers over my head and sleep more.

>> I totally get that. Rain does that to me, too. It's weird how weather affects our mood, right?

>> It really is. Like when it's sunny, I wake up feeling ready to go. But rainy

days, I just feel slow. >> Same here. Actually, that's kind of funny because that's what we're talking about today, >> right? We're talking about weather in English. >> And I know some people might think, "Oh, weather. That's boring."

English. >> And I know some people might think, "Oh, weather. That's boring."

>> But it's actually not. Weather is something everyone talks about every single day.

>> Exactly. It's like the most common small talk topic ever. >> You know what's funny? In England,

people talk about weather all the time. >> Really? >> Yes. You can meet someone on the bus and just say, "Terrible weather today, isn't it?" And boom, you're having a conversation.

>> Huh. That's so true. It's the easiest way to start talking to someone you don't know.

>> Right. Like you can't just walk up to someone and say, "Tell me about your life." That's weird.

>> Super weird. But saying, "Nice day, huh?" is totally normal.

>> Exactly. So, today we're going to help you feel comfortable talking about weather in English.

>> And we'll keep it simple. We're not going to use crazy difficult words.

>> Nope. Just normal everyday English that you can use right away.

>> So, Sarah, let me ask you something. What's your favorite kind of weather?

Ooh, good question. I think I like cool, cloudy days. Not too hot, not too cold.

>> Interesting. Most people say sunny days. >> I know, but sunny days can be too bright for me. I like it when it's a bit cloudy and there's a nice breeze.

for me. I like it when it's a bit cloudy and there's a nice breeze.

>> A breeze is like gentle wind, right? >> Yeah. Not strong wind that blows everything around, just a nice soft breeze. >> I get that. For me, I love sunny days.

I'm a summer person. >> Really? Even when it's super hot. >> Well, okay. Not super hot, but warm and sunny. Perfect. >> See, that's too hot for me. I start sweating and feeling uncomfortable. >> Huh?

sunny. Perfect. >> See, that's too hot for me. I start sweating and feeling uncomfortable. >> Huh?

>> Everyone's different. That's what makes it interesting.

>> So, what about our listeners? What kind of weather do you like?

>> Yeah. Think about it for a second. Do you like hot weather? Cold weather, rain.

>> And here's a fun question. Does weather change your mood?

>> Oh, it definitely changes mine. Like you said earlier, rain makes you sleepy.

>> Yes. And sunny days make me happy. Well, not too sunny, but you know what I mean.

>> I know exactly what you mean. Okay. So, let's start with some basic phrases, >> right? So, if you want to ask someone about the weather, the easiest way is

>> right? So, if you want to ask someone about the weather, the easiest way is just, "How's the weather?" Simple, right? How's the weather?

>> You can also say, "What's the weather like?" Same meaning.

>> Both are super common. You'll hear these all the time. >> Now, how do you answer? Well, you just describe what you see outside. >> Like, it's sunny today or it's raining. >> Exactly.

>> Can we practice a few, Sarah? How's the weather where you are right now?

>> Right now, let me look outside. It's cloudy and actually I think it might rain soon.

>> See, that was natural. She said it's cloudy and then added her prediction.

>> Yeah, you can always add a little extra information if you want.

>> Okay, my turn. Sarah, what's the weather like today? >> Today it's pretty nice. It's warm and there's some sun. >> Perfect. Warm and sunny. That's my favorite.

>> I know. I know. you and your sunny days. >> Hey, don't judge me.

>> I'm not judging. I just don't understand how you can like being so hot.

>> It's not being hot, it's being warm. There's a difference. >> Okay. Okay. That's actually a good point. Let's talk about that. >> Yeah. So, hot is when it's really, really warm. Uncomfortable.

point. Let's talk about that. >> Yeah. So, hot is when it's really, really warm. Uncomfortable.

>> Like when you're sweating and you just want to jump in a pool. >> Exactly. But warm is nice and comfortable pleasant >> right? So you might say it's a warm day and that sounds nice.

>> But if you say it's hot today, that might mean it's too much.

>> Yeah. And then we have cold. That's when the temperature is low.

>> Like in winter, it's cold outside. I need a jacket. >> And if it's really cold, you can say it's freezing. >> Oh yeah, I'm freezing. That means extremely cold.

it's freezing. >> Oh yeah, I'm freezing. That means extremely cold.

>> I say that all the time in winter. I'm freezing. Turn on the heater.

>> Same. So, we have hot, warm, cool, cold, and freezing. Those are the main temperature words. Easy, right? >> Very easy. Now, let's talk about what's happening in the sky.

temperature words. Easy, right? >> Very easy. Now, let's talk about what's happening in the sky.

>> Okay, so the most common is sunny. The sun is out. The sky is bright. Everyone

loves a sunny day. Well, except you apparently. >> Hey, I like sunny days sometimes, just not all the time. >> Fair enough. So, what about when the sun is not out?

>> Then you might say, "It's cloudy." That means there are clouds covering the sky, >> like today for you, right? >> Exactly. It's quite cloudy right now.

>> And then we have rainy when it's raining. >> Or you can just say it's raining. both work.

>> What about when it's raining really hard? >> Oh, then you can say it's pouring or it's pouring rain. >> That means very heavy rain like buckets of water falling from the sky.

>> There's also a funny expression. It's raining cats and dogs. >> Wait, what? Cats and dogs?

>> I know it sounds crazy, but it just means it's raining very, very heavily.

So, no actual cats and dogs are falling from the sky. >> No, definitely not. It's just an expression. >> English is weird sometimes. >> It really is. Okay. What about snow? Do

expression. >> English is weird sometimes. >> It really is. Okay. What about snow? Do

you get snow where you live, Sarah? >> Rarely. I maybe see snow once every few years.

>> Really? I grew up with snow every winter. >> What's it like? >> Well, at first it's beautiful.

Everything is white and quiet and magical. >> That sounds amazing.

>> Yeah, but after a few months, you get tired of it. Everything is cold and wet and gray.

>> Oh, I can imagine. The excitement wears off. >> Exactly. But when it first snows, it's really nice. You can say it's snowing or it's snowy. >> Do you build snowmen?

really nice. You can say it's snowing or it's snowy. >> Do you build snowmen?

>> When I was a kid, yes. Now, no. I just try to stay inside where it's warm.

>> That makes sense. Oh, what about wind? Windy days are the worst. >> Do you don't like wind?

>> No. The wind messes up my hair. And if you have an umbrella, it turns inside out.

>> That's true. Wind and umbrellas don't work well together. >> When it's windy, I just want to stay inside. >> So, you'd say, "It's windy today." Or, "It's really windy out there."

inside. >> So, you'd say, "It's windy today." Or, "It's really windy out there."

>> Yeah. And you can say there's a strong wind or the wind is crazy today.

>> All of those are natural ways to describe it. >> You know what's else is annoying? When

the weather can't decide what it wants to do. >> Oh, you mean when it changes throughout the day?

>> Yes. Like it's sunny in the morning, then it rains at lunch, then it's sunny again.

>> Huh. That happens a lot where I live. >> Me, too. It's so frustrating because you don't know what to wear, >> right? Like, do I need a jacket? Do I need an umbrella? I don't know

>> exactly. There's actually a funny phrase for this. People say four seasons in one day.

>> exactly. There's actually a funny phrase for this. People say four seasons in one day.

>> Oh, I like that. Four seasons in one day. >> It's perfect for describing crazy changing weather.

>> We should teach people how to talk about the weather forecast.

>> Good idea. Do you check the weather forecast every day? >> Actually, yes. Every morning on my phone. >> Me, too. It's the first thing I check when I wake up. >> Why do you check it?

phone. >> Me, too. It's the first thing I check when I wake up. >> Why do you check it?

>> Well, I need to know what to wear. If it's going to rain, I bring an umbrella.

>> Same here. If it's going to be cold, I wear a jacket. >> So, you might ask someone, "Did you check the weather?" Or, "What's the forecast for today?" >> And they might answer, "It's supposed to

rain this afternoon." supposed to. That's a useful phrase. It means that's what the forecast says, >> right? It's supposed to be sunny tomorrow means the forecast predicts sun.

>> right? It's supposed to be sunny tomorrow means the forecast predicts sun.

>> But forecasts aren't always right. >> So true. Sometimes it says rain and then it's sunny all day. >> Or it says sunny and then it pours.

>> Weather is unpredictable. That's a good word. Unpredictable.

>> It means you can't predict it. You don't know what will happen. The weather here is so unpredictable. It changes all the time. >> Perfect example. Okay, let's talk about

seasons for a bit. >> Oh, yes. The four seasons >> we have spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

>> Wait, what about fall? >> Oh, autumn and fall are the same thing. >> Really?

>> Yes. In British English, we usually say autumn. In American English, people say fall.

>> Interesting. So, fall and autumn, same season. >> Exactly. So, tell me, what's your favorite season? >> Definitely summer. I love the long days and warm weather.

favorite season? >> Definitely summer. I love the long days and warm weather.

>> Of course you do, Mr. Sunshine over here. >> Hey, what's your favorite season?

>> I think autumn or fall, whatever you want to call it. >> Why autumn?

>> I love when the leaves change color. Everything turns red and orange and yellow. Oh yeah, that is beautiful. And it's not too hot, not too cold.

yellow. Oh yeah, that is beautiful. And it's not too hot, not too cold.

>> Exactly. Perfect weather for me. >> What about spring and winter?

>> Spring is nice. Everything is fresh and green. Flowers are blooming.

>> I like spring, too. It feels like the world is waking up after winter. >> And winter.

>> I don't mind winter, but I get tired of it after a while. Yeah, winter can be long, especially if it's dark and cold every day. >> Do you know about that thing called

seasonal depression? >> Oh, yeah. When people feel sad because

seasonal depression? >> Oh, yeah. When people feel sad because there's not enough sunlight in winter. >> Exactly. It's a real thing. Weather

really does affect our mood. >> It definitely does. Okay, let's practice some conversations.

>> Good idea. Let's pretend we're meeting for coffee. Okay. Hey, Sarah. How are you?

>> I'm good, but wow, this rain is crazy today. >> I know. I got completely soaked on the way here.

>> Oh, no. You didn't bring an umbrella. >> I did, but the wind was so strong it was useless. [laughter] >> I hate when that happens. The umbrella turns inside out.

useless. [laughter] >> I hate when that happens. The umbrella turns inside out.

>> Exactly. So now I'm sitting here in wet clothes feeling miserable.

Aw, that's the worst. Do you want to borrow my jacket? >> No, no, I'm okay. I'll dry off soon.

>> All right. See how natural that was? >> Yeah. We talked about the rain, getting wet, the umbrella problem. >> All very normal conversation topics. Let's try another one.

>> Okay. This time, let's say we're talking about weekend plans.

>> Sure. So, Mike, what are you doing this weekend? I'm thinking about going to the beach. Want to come? >> That sounds fun. But did you check the weather?

beach. Want to come? >> That sounds fun. But did you check the weather?

>> Yeah, it's supposed to be sunny and warm all weekend. >> Perfect beach weather.

>> I know, right? I'm so excited. I haven't been to the beach in months.

>> I'm definitely in. What time should we go? >> Let's leave early, like 9:00 a.m. before

it gets too crowded. >> Sounds good. I hope the weather stays nice. >> Me, too.

But you know how unpredictable it can be. >> True. Bring sunscreen just in case.

>> Good thinking. See, weather comes up naturally in conversations about plans.

>> It really does. We're always checking the weather before we make plans.

>> Let's teach some expressions about weather. >> Oh, yes. There are some fun ones. Do you

know under the weather? >> I've heard that. What does it mean?

>> It means you're sick. You're not feeling well. Oh, so if I say I'm feeling under the weather, I'm saying I'm sick. >> Exactly. It's a polite way to say you're not feeling good.

>> I can't come to work today. I'm feeling a bit under the weather.

>> Perfect. That's how you would use it. >> What other weather expressions are there?

>> There's every cloud has a silver lining. >> Okay, I know clouds are in the sky, but what does that mean? It means even bad situations have something good in them.

>> Oh, like being optimistic. >> Yes. Finding the positive side of something negative.

>> Can you give me an example? >> Sure. Let's say it rains on your birthday party. >> That's sad.

>> But then you might say, "Every cloud has a silver lining. At least we got to spend time together inside." >> Oh, I see. You're finding the good part.

>> Exactly. It's about being positive. >> I like that. Here's another one. Come rain or shine.

>> What does that mean? >> It means no matter what happens, you'll do it anyway.

>> Oh, like I'll be there on Friday. Come rain or shine. >> Exactly. Whether it rains or the sun shines, you'll be there. >> It shows you're committed. Weather won't stop you,

>> right? These expressions make your English sound more natural.

>> right? These expressions make your English sound more natural.

>> They do. Native speakers use them all the time. >> Should we talk about small talk?

>> Yes, because weather is like the topic for small talk. >> What is small talk exactly?

>> Small talk is light conversation. It's not deep or serious.

>> Like when you're in an elevator with someone you don't know well. Exactly.

You can't just stand there in silence. That's awkward. >> So, you might say something about the weather, >> right? Like, nice day, isn't it? Or crazy weather we're having.

>> And the other person will probably agree, yeah, beautiful day. Or, I know, so much rain.

>> And boom, you've broken the ice. You're having a conversation.

>> Breaking the ice. That's another expression. It is. It means starting a conversation, especially with someone new. >> Weather is perfect for breaking the ice

because everyone experiences it. >> Everyone has an opinion about weather, too.

>> Right. Some people love rain, some hate it, some love heat, some can't stand it.

>> It's interesting hearing different perspectives. >> You know what's funny? People love to complain about weather. >> Oh my gosh. Yes. especially about extreme weather

>> like it's so hot today. I'm melting >> or this rain won't stop. I'm so sick of it.

>> Even if you're complaining, you're connecting with someone.

>> True. Shared suffering brings people together. >> Ha, that's one way to look at it.

>> Should we practice some responses? >> Good idea, Sarah. It's so hot today. I

know, right? I can't wait to get home and turn on the AC. >> Perfect response. Now, let me try. This

rain is ridiculous. >> Tell me about it. I forgot my umbrella and got soaked.

>> Great. See how we're agreeing and adding our own experience.

>> That's what keeps conversation flowing. You agree and then add something, >> right? You don't just say yes and stop talking. >> That would be awkward. You need to keep

>> right? You don't just say yes and stop talking. >> That would be awkward. You need to keep it going. >> Okay. What about when someone says something positive about the weather,

it going. >> Okay. What about when someone says something positive about the weather, like, "What a beautiful day." >> You can say, "I know, perfect weather."

Or, "Yes, absolutely gorgeous." >> Words like gorgeous and beautiful are great for nice weather.

>> And for bad weather, you can use terrible or awful. >> The weather is awful today. or what

terrible rain. >> These are all very natural ways to respond.

>> You know, we've been talking for a while now. >> Yeah, we've covered a lot.

>> We talked about basic weather words like sunny rainy cloudy windy.

>> Temperature words like hot, warm, cold, freezing. >> The four seasons and how weather changes. expressions like under the weather and every cloud has a silver lining

changes. expressions like under the weather and every cloud has a silver lining >> and how to use weather for small talk. >> That's quite a lot. But I think the most

important thing is just to practice. >> Absolutely. You don't need to remember everything today.

>> Just pick one or two phrases that you like. >> Use them this week. Practice saying them out loud >> and next week add a couple more phrases. >> Little by little it becomes natural.

>> Exactly. Learning a language is not a race. >> It's more like a journey.

>> Yes, a journey. That's perfect. >> And every day you practice, you get a little bit better.

>> Even if you make mistakes, that's okay. >> Mistakes are how we learn.

>> That's so true. I make mistakes in English all the time. >> Really?

>> Yeah. And English is my native language. >> See, everyone makes mistakes. It's totally normal.

>> The important thing is to keep trying. Keep speaking. >> Don't be afraid. Just go for it.

>> Next time you see someone, try talking about the weather.

>> Start with something simple like, "Nice day huh?" >> Or, "Looks like it might rain later."

>> These small comments can lead to bigger conversations, >> and you'll be practicing your English in real life, >> which is the best way to learn.

>> All right, everyone. I think that's enough for today. >> Yeah, we don't want to overload your brain. >> Thanks so much for listening to us ramble about weather.

brain. >> Thanks so much for listening to us ramble about weather.

>> It was fun. I hope you learned something useful. >> And remember, if you enjoyed this, subscribe to Everyday English Academy. >> We make new videos every week to help

you improve your English. >> Leave a comment and tell us what the weather is like where you are.

>> We'd love to hear from you. Seriously, >> reading your comments makes our day.

>> All right, everyone. Take care. >> Keep practicing. Keep learning.

>> And we'll see you in the next episode. >> Bye, everyone.

>> Goodbye. Stay dry if it's raining. Stay cool if it's hot. [laughter] >> Perfect ending. Bye.