Talking About the Weather in English - Spoken English Lesson

Summary

In this lesson from Oxford Online English, Michael explores various expressions and idioms used to describe the unpredictable British weather. He covers a range of terms, from 'chilly' to 'baking hot', and discusses how conditions can rapidly change throughout the day, including light drizzle, thunderstorms, and blizzards. The lesson emphasizes the importance of vocabulary for accurately conveying weather conditions, offering practical examples to help learners navigate conversations about this quintessentially British topic. Viewers will gain a deeper understanding of how to articulate their experiences with weather in English.

Takeaways

• 😀 British people often talk about the weather due to its unpredictability.
• 🌡️ 'Chilly' refers to slightly cold weather, while 'freezing' indicates very cold temperatures.
• ☔ 'Drizzling' means light rain, and 'spitting' refers to even lighter rain.
• 🌧️ When it starts to rain heavily, we say 'it's chucking it down.'
• 🌩️ A storm is indicated by dark, overcast skies and the phrase 'storm brewing.'
• ⚡ Thunderstorms feature lightning (the flash) and thunder (the sound).
• ☀️ 'Baking hot' describes extremely high temperatures, akin to those in deserts.
• 🔥 A 'scorcher' and 'boiling' are other terms for very hot weather.
• ❄️ Weather forecasts may include terms like frost, sleet, and blizzards.
• 🌨️ 'Slush' refers to partially melted snow, often unpleasant to walk in.

Q & A

What does 'it's chucking it down' mean?

It means that it is raining heavily.

What is the difference between 'drizzling' and 'spitting'?

'Drizzling' refers to light rain, while 'spitting' is even lighter, indicating just a few raindrops.

How can you describe a very cold day?

You can say it is 'freezing,' which means it's very cold, often enough to see your breath.

What does 'bundle up' mean?

To 'bundle up' means to wear layers of clothing to keep warm in cold weather.

What is meant by 'the heavens open'?

This phrase describes a sudden onset of heavy rain.

What does 'overcast' refer to in weather descriptions?

'Overcast' means that the sky is completely covered with clouds, preventing sunlight from shining through.

What is a 'blizzard'?

A blizzard is a severe snowstorm characterized by strong winds and heavy snowfall.

What does it mean if there is 'a storm brewing'?

It indicates that a storm is likely to occur soon, often suggested by dark clouds.

What is 'slush'?

'Slush' refers to partially melted snow or ice, typically making walking difficult.

Why do British people frequently talk about the weather?

They often discuss the weather because it is highly changeable and unpredictable in the UK, experiencing all four seasons in a single day.