19 Phrases for Talking About Weather

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The weather is often the first, easiest, and most frequent topic of small talk in English. It’s safe, neutral, and immediately relatable. If you can move beyond “It is cold,” you can start almost any conversation confidently. Mastering these 19 phrases for talking about weather will give you expressive, fluent language to describe everything from sunshine to storms.

We’ve organized these phrases into three main areas: Describing Specific Conditions, Asking and Commenting, and Using Weather Idioms.

Describing Specific Conditions ☀️🌧️

Use these phrases to accurately describe the temperature, sun, or precipitation.

1. It’s absolutely pouring outside.

Pouring means raining very heavily. This is much stronger than just “It’s raining.”

Meaning: It is raining extremely hard (a downpour).
Example: “We can’t walk to the café. It’s absolutely pouring outside.“

2. It’s supposed to clear up later.

Clear up means the clouds and rain will disappear, and the sun will come out.

Meaning: The weather forecast suggests the sky will become sunny and clear.
Example: “Don’t worry about the clouds; it’s supposed to clear up later.“

3. It’s freezing cold.

Freezing is a hyperbole (exaggeration) used to mean extremely cold, even if the temperature is not actually below freezing point ($0^\circ\text{C}$).

Meaning: It is unpleasantly and extremely cold.
Example: “I need to wear a heavy coat. It’s freezing cold this morning.”

4. The humidity is terrible.

Humidity refers to the amount of water vapor in the air, often making hot weather feel much hotter and sticky.

Meaning: The air is very wet and heavy, making the heat uncomfortable.
Example: “I don’t mind the heat, but the humidity is terrible today.”

5. We’re expecting a storm.

This is a general phrase used to anticipate bad weather like heavy rain, wind, or thunder.

Meaning: Forecasting severe weather (rain, wind, thunder).
Example: “Better bring the furniture inside; we’re expecting a storm tonight.”

6. It’s just overcast.

Overcast means the sky is completely covered with clouds, but it is not raining. It’s a neutral description.

Meaning: The sky is completely cloudy, gray, and dull.
Example: “It’s not raining, but it’s just overcast, so it feels quite dark.”

7. There’s a slight breeze.

A breeze is a gentle, light wind. This is a pleasant condition, often providing relief from heat.

Meaning: There is a light, pleasant wind blowing.
Example: “The sun is hot, but there’s a slight breeze, which is nice.”

Asking and Commenting (Small Talk) 💬

These phrases are used to start the conversation and react to the conditions.

8. How about this weather we’re having?

This is a classic, friendly opener for small talk in almost any situation.

Meaning: A general comment used to start a conversation.
Example: (To a colleague in the elevator) “How about this weather we’re having? It’s certainly unusual for this time of year.”

9. What’s the forecast for tomorrow?

A direct question about the predicted weather for the following day.

Meaning: Asking for the weather prediction (the forecast).
Example: “I’m planning a picnic. What’s the forecast for tomorrow?“

10. Do you think it will last?

Used when the current weather is good or bad, asking if the condition will continue for a long time.

Meaning: Asking if the current weather will continue (e.g., “Will the rain last?”).
Example: “This sunshine is wonderful! Do you think it will last until the weekend?”

11. It looks like it might rain.

A simple, direct observation used when the sky is getting dark or cloudy.

Meaning: Predicting future rain based on the appearance of the sky.
Example: “Grab an umbrella before you go. It looks like it might rain.“

12. I can’t believe how hot/cold it is.

A common phrase expressing surprise or mild shock about the extreme temperature.

Meaning: Expressing surprise at the intensity of the temperature.
Example: “It’s August, and I need a sweater. I can’t believe how cold it is.“

13. We could really use some rain.

A phrase used when the weather has been dry for too long, common in farming or gardening contexts.

Meaning: Expressing a need for precipitation (because of drought).
Example: “The plants are looking very dry. We could really use some rain.“

Common Weather Idioms and Expressions 🌬️

These phrases use weather concepts to describe situations or moods.

14. I’m feeling a bit under the weather.

An idiom meaning you feel slightly sick or unwell, but not seriously ill.

Meaning: Feeling slightly ill or unwell.
Example: “I won’t be in the office today. I’m feeling a bit under the weather.“

15. He’s got his head in the clouds.

An idiom meaning someone is unrealistic, dreamy, or impractical.

Meaning: Someone is daydreaming or not paying attention to reality.
Example: “He made a huge mistake on the budget; he clearly has his head in the clouds.“

16. Come rain or shine.

An idiom meaning regardless of the circumstances or difficulty (whether the weather is good or bad).

Meaning: Something will happen despite any difficulties.
Example: “The concert will take place come rain or shine.“

17. Every cloud has a silver lining.

An idiom meaning every bad situation or misfortune has a positive or hopeful aspect.

Meaning: There is always a positive side to a negative situation.
Example: “I lost my old job, but I found a better one. Every cloud has a silver lining.“

18. It’s raining cats and dogs.

An informal, older idiom meaning it is raining extremely hard (similar to “pouring”).

Meaning: It is raining extremely heavily.
Example: “We had to wait in the car; it’s raining cats and dogs right now.”

19. To break the ice.

An idiom referring to starting a conversation or reducing awkwardness in a new group.

Meaning: To initiate a conversation or introduce a topic to reduce tension.
Example: “No one was talking, so I told a joke to break the ice.“

Quick Tips for Talking About Weather

Start Simple: The easiest way to use these 19 phrases for talking about weather is to start with a comment, like “I can’t believe how hot it is,” and follow up with a question, like “Do you think it will last?“
Use Strong Adjectives: Use “freezing,” “pouring,” or “absolutely,” instead of just “cold,” “raining,” or “nice,” to sound more expressive.
Listen for Intent: When someone says, “How about this weather?” they don’t want a full forecast; they want a brief, friendly response.

By practicing these 19 phrases for talking about weather, you’ll be able to easily start conversations and navigate small talk in any situation.

Which phrase would you use if you were predicting rain based on the color of the sky?