Weather
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- Last Updated: Tuesday, 24 June 2025 09:31
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Vocabulary for IELTS: Weather
"Weather" is one of the most frequent topics in the IELTS exam. In the speaking section, you may be asked to describe your favourite kind of weather, talk about seasonal changes in your country, or explain how weather affects your daily activities. In writing, weather may appear in discussions about climate change, tourism, or urban living. Therefore, possessing a well-rounded vocabulary on this topic will help you articulate your ideas with precision and variety.
In this vocabulary lesson, we will cover some weather-related words and phrases, ranging from commonly used expressions to more advanced academic terms. The examples provided will help you understand the subtle ways these words can be integrated into your IELTS speaking and writing responses.
1. Sunny spells: [Meaning: Short periods of sunshine between cloudy weather]
Example 1: Although it rained in the morning, we enjoyed some sunny spells by the afternoon.
Example 2: The forecast promised sunny spells, so we decided to go for a picnic.
2. Heavy rainfall: [Meaning: A large amount of rain falling in a short period]
Example 1: The train was delayed due to heavy rainfall that flooded several parts of the track.
Example 2: During the monsoon season, heavy rainfall often leads to severe waterlogging in low-lying areas.
3. Overcast skies: [Meaning: Sky covered completely with clouds]
Example 1: The city had overcast skies all day, making it feel gloomy and dull.
Example 2: Photographers often prefer overcast skies as the light is softer and more diffused.
4. Scorching heat: [Meaning: Extremely hot weather]
Example 1: We stayed indoors to avoid the scorching heat that gripped the city in July.
Example 2: The desert climate is known for its scorching heat during the day and freezing temperatures at night.
5. Mild temperature: [Meaning: Pleasantly moderate weather]
Example 1: Spring in this region is characterised by mild temperatures and blooming flowers.
Example 2: I prefer destinations with mild temperatures when travelling, as they are more comfortable for outdoor activities.
6. Chilly breeze: [Meaning: A cold, gentle wind]
Example 1: The chilly breeze in the evening reminded us that winter was just around the corner.
Example 2: Despite the sunshine, a chilly breeze made it necessary to wear a light jacket.
7. Humid conditions: [Meaning: Weather with high moisture levels in the air]
Example 1: The humid conditions made it feel much hotter than the actual temperature.
Example 2: Tourists often find the humid conditions in tropical regions quite uncomfortable.
8. Meteorological phenomenon: [Meaning: A natural event related to the atmosphere and weather]
Example 1: A rainbow is a beautiful meteorological phenomenon that occurs when sunlight is refracted through water droplets.
Example 2: Cyclones, droughts, and hailstorms are all classified as meteorological phenomena.
9. Atmospheric instability: [Meaning: A condition in which the atmosphere is prone to rapid changes, often causing storms]
Example 1: The sudden thunderstorm was triggered by atmospheric instability over the coastal region.
Example 2: Atmospheric instability is a key factor in the development of tornadoes and severe weather events.
10. Precipitation anomaly: [Meaning: Unusual or irregular rainfall patterns compared to the norm]
Example 1: The region experienced a significant precipitation anomaly this year, leading to unexpected drought conditions.
Example 2: Climate scientists often monitor precipitation anomalies to predict agricultural outcomes.
11. Climatological patterns: [Meaning: Long-term trends in weather and climate]
Example 1: Shifts in climatological patterns can have profound impacts on agriculture and biodiversity.
Example 2: Researchers study climatological patterns to understand the broader implications of global warming.
12. Microclimate: [Meaning: The climate of a very small or specific area, different from its surroundings]
Example 1: The garden thrives because its unique microclimate protects it from strong winds.
Example 2: Urban centres often create a microclimate due to concrete structures and limited greenery.
13. Anthropogenic climate effect: [Meaning: Climate changes caused by human activity]
Example 1: Industrial emissions have been linked to the anthropogenic climate effect observed in polar regions.
Example 2: Deforestation plays a major role in accelerating the anthropogenic climate effect.
14. Thermal inversion: [Meaning: A reversal of normal temperature layers in the atmosphere, often trapping pollutants]
Example 1: Thermal inversion in the winter months can lead to severe air pollution in valleys.
Example 2: The smog crisis in the city was intensified by a prolonged thermal inversion.
15. Isobaric pressure system: [Meaning: An area defined by equal atmospheric pressure, used in weather forecasting]
Example 1: Meteorologists use isobaric pressure systems to predict the movement of storms.
Example 2: A sudden drop in the isobaric pressure system usually indicates the arrival of a cold front.
16. Climatic aberration: [Meaning: A significant deviation from typical weather or climate conditions]
Example 1: The prolonged snow in spring was considered a climatic aberration in the region’s otherwise temperate profile.
Example 2: Scientists fear that climatic aberrations may become more frequent as global warming intensifies.
17. Barometric fluctuation: [Meaning: Changes in atmospheric pressure over time]
Example 1: People with joint pain often feel discomfort during barometric fluctuations.
Example 2: Pilots are trained to respond to sudden barometric fluctuations during flight.
18. Seasonal volatility: [Meaning: Frequent or extreme variations in weather across seasons]
Example 1: Agricultural planning has become challenging due to increasing seasonal volatility.
Example 2: Tourism is highly influenced by the seasonal volatility in mountain regions.
19. Climatic resilience: [Meaning: The ability to adapt to or recover from adverse climate conditions]
Example 1: Nations with greater climatic resilience are better prepared for extreme weather disasters.
Example 2: Investing in infrastructure improves a city's climatic resilience to floods and storms.
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