English level: B1-C2
There is nothing the Brits like more than talking about the weather. It’s a great way to pass the time or engage with a total stranger! You probably know some of the basic phrases that we use on a regular basis but here are some more unusual ones and their meanings below.
| Phrase | Meaning | Example |
| It’s a scorcher! | It’s a very hot day | Today is going to be a scorcher! |
| There’s not a cloud in the sky | It’s sunny and there are no visible clouds. It is also used as a metaphor to mean there are no problems or bad things have gone away. | It’s a beautiful day, isn’t it? There isn’t a cloud in the sky |
| It’s absolutely Baltic! | It’s very cold | You’ll need your winter coat today – it’s absolutely Baltic! |
| It’s throwing/chucking it down | It’s raining very heavily | Take that umbrella it’s chucking it down |
| It feels close | It’s very humid | Gosh my head hurts. I think it’s because it feels close today. |
| There’s a storm brewing | A thunderstorm is coming soon | Look at those clouds! A storm is definitely brewing |
| It’s that fine rain that soaks you through | When there is light rain or drizzle, you think you won’t get wet but after a period of time you get very wet. | A: I don’t need a coat, it’s only a bit of drizzle.
B: Ahhh, but it’s that light rain that soaks you through |
| Don’t forget your brolly | ‘Brolly’ is an informal word for umbrella | A: Oh no, it’s raining!
B: Don’t forget your brolly |
| Nice weather for ducks | The weather is wet and therefore only ducks would like it | Nice weather for ducks today isn’t it? |
| It’s blowing a gale out there | The wind is very strong. A gale is the technical word for strong wind | I don’t think I’ll wear my hat – it’s blowing a gale out there |
Which one is your favourite? Have you heard any of these before?