Top 53 Slang For Weather – Meaning & Usage

When it comes to discussing the ever-changing weather, sometimes regular terms just don’t cut it. Weather slang adds a fun and colorful twist to describing the elements. Whether you’re a weather enthusiast or just looking to spice up your vocabulary, we’ve got you covered with a list of the most popular and quirky slang for weather. Get ready to level up your weather talk game with us!

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1. Scorching

Refers to weather that is extremely hot, often to the point of being uncomfortable or unbearable.

For example, “It’s scorching outside, I can’t stand the heat.”
A person might say, “I’m staying indoors today because it’s scorching hot.”
Someone might complain, “The scorching weather is making it impossible to enjoy outdoor activities.”

2. Chilly

Describes weather that is cool or cold, but not freezing.

For instance, “I need to wear a jacket because it’s chilly outside.”
A person might say, “The chilly breeze is refreshing.”
Someone might comment, “I love the chilly weather, it’s perfect for cozying up with a book.”

3. Drizzle

Refers to light rain that falls in fine droplets.

For example, “I forgot my umbrella and got caught in a drizzle.”
A person might say, “The drizzle is making the roads slippery.”
Someone might comment, “I enjoy going for walks in the gentle drizzle.”

4. Breezy

Describes weather that is characterized by a gentle or moderate wind.

For instance, “It’s so breezy today, I love the feeling of the wind.”
A person might say, “The breeze is keeping the temperature comfortable.”
Someone might comment, “The breezy weather is perfect for flying kites.”

5. Sweltering

Refers to weather that is extremely hot and humid, often causing discomfort and excessive sweating.

For example, “The sweltering heat is unbearable.”
A person might say, “I can’t stand the sweltering humidity.”
Someone might comment, “The sweltering weather is sapping my energy.”

6. Frosty

This term is used to describe weather conditions that are extremely cold, often with frost forming.

For instance, “Bundle up, it’s going to be frosty outside tomorrow.”
A person might say, “The ground was covered in a layer of frosty ice.”
Another might comment, “I love going for a walk on a frosty winter morning.”

7. Downpour

A downpour refers to a sudden and heavy rainfall, usually lasting for a short period of time.

For example, “We got caught in a downpour and got completely soaked.”
A person might say, “I can’t go out right now, it’s pouring down in a heavy downpour.”
Another might comment, “The downpour flooded the streets and caused traffic jams.”

8. Sunny spells

Sunny spells refer to short periods of time during the day when the sun shines through the clouds.

For instance, “We can expect some sunny spells in the afternoon.”
A person might say, “I hope we get some sunny spells during our beach trip.”
Another might comment, “The weather forecast predicts a mix of rain and sunny spells.”

9. Hailstorm

A hailstorm is a weather event characterized by falling hailstones, which are solid balls of ice.

For example, “The hailstorm damaged my car’s windshield.”
A person might say, “I had to take cover during the hailstorm to avoid getting hit.”
Another might comment, “The hailstorm left a layer of ice on the ground.”

10. Thunderstorm

A thunderstorm is a weather event characterized by thunder, lightning, and heavy rainfall.

For instance, “The thunderstorm kept me awake all night with its loud thunder.”
A person might say, “I love watching the lightning during a thunderstorm.”
Another might comment, “The thunderstorm caused power outages in our neighborhood.”

11. Blizzard

A severe snowstorm characterized by strong winds and reduced visibility due to blowing snow. A blizzard is typically accompanied by low temperatures and can cause travel disruptions and power outages.

For example, “The blizzard last night left several inches of snow on the ground.”
A person might say, “I had to shovel my driveway for hours after the blizzard.”
In a weather report, a meteorologist might warn, “A blizzard is expected to hit the region tomorrow, so stay indoors if possible.”

12. Foggy

Refers to thick fog that reduces visibility to a great extent, similar to the appearance of a bowl of pea soup. Foggy conditions can make driving and navigation difficult.

For instance, “The city was covered in pea soup fog this morning.”
A person might say, “I couldn’t see anything in front of me while driving in the pea soup fog.”
In a weather forecast, a meteorologist might say, “Expect pea soup fog in the early morning hours tomorrow.”

13. Sleet

A form of precipitation consisting of small ice pellets. Sleet is created when raindrops freeze into ice pellets before reaching the ground. It can make surfaces slippery and cause hazardous driving conditions.

For example, “The sleet turned the roads into an icy mess.”
A person might say, “I had to scrape off the sleet from my car windows this morning.”
In a weather report, a meteorologist might say, “Sleet is expected to mix with rain later today, so be cautious on the roads.”

14. Muggy

Refers to hot and humid weather conditions. Muggy weather can make the air feel heavy and uncomfortable.

For instance, “It’s so muggy outside that I’m sweating just standing here.”
A person might say, “I can’t stand this muggy weather; it’s making me feel sticky.”
In a weather forecast, a meteorologist might say, “Expect sweltering and muggy conditions throughout the day.”

15. Overcast

Refers to a sky covered with clouds, blocking the direct sunlight. Overcast weather often indicates a lack of sunshine and can make the atmosphere feel gloomy.

For example, “It’s been overcast all day; I miss seeing the sun.”
A person might say, “I prefer sunny days over overcast ones.”
In a weather report, a meteorologist might say, “The forecast for tomorrow is mostly overcast skies with a chance of rain.”

16. Heatwave

A heatwave refers to a prolonged period of excessively hot weather, often accompanied by high humidity. It can be dangerous and have adverse effects on health.

For example, “We’re experiencing a heatwave this week, with temperatures reaching over 100 degrees.”
A news report might warn, “Stay indoors and stay hydrated during the heatwave.”
Someone might complain, “I can’t stand this heatwave, it’s unbearable.”

17. Gusty

Gusty describes weather conditions with sudden and strong bursts of wind. It often implies that the wind is unpredictable and can change direction quickly.

For instance, “Hold onto your hats, it’s going to be gusty outside today.”
A sailor might say, “Avoid going out on the water when it’s gusty, as it can make navigation challenging.”
A weather forecast might mention, “Expect gusty winds in the afternoon, reaching up to 40 miles per hour.”

18. Clear skies

Clear skies refer to weather conditions with no clouds or precipitation. It indicates a cloudless and sunny day or night.

For example, “We’re in for a beautiful day with clear skies and plenty of sunshine.”
A stargazer might say, “I can’t wait for tonight to have clear skies so I can observe the stars.”
A pilot might report, “We have clear skies all the way to our destination, no turbulence expected.”

19. Wintry mix

Wintry mix refers to a combination of frozen precipitation, such as snow, sleet, and freezing rain. It often occurs when temperatures are near or slightly above freezing.

For instance, “Be careful on the roads, we’re expecting a wintry mix of snow and sleet.”
A meteorologist might explain, “A wintry mix can create hazardous conditions, as it can lead to icy surfaces.”
Someone might complain, “I’m tired of this wintry mix, I just want some sunshine and warmth.”

20. Tornado warning

A tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. It indicates that there is an immediate threat to life and property.

For example, “Seek shelter immediately, a tornado warning has been issued for this area.”
A news anchor might say, “Take the tornado warning seriously and follow the instructions of local authorities.”
Someone might panic and say, “I heard the tornado warning siren, we need to get to the basement right away.”

21. Cyclone

A cyclone is a large-scale air mass that rotates around a strong center of low atmospheric pressure. It is often characterized by strong winds and heavy rain or snowfall. This term is sometimes used interchangeably with “twister”.

For example, “A cyclone is forming off the coast, so we need to prepare for strong winds and possible flooding.”
In a weather report, a meteorologist might say, “The cyclone is expected to make landfall tomorrow, bringing heavy rain to the region.”
A person experiencing a cyclone might say, “The cyclone knocked down trees and caused power outages in our area.”

22. Monsoon

A monsoon is a seasonal shift in wind patterns that brings about a change in weather conditions. It is often associated with heavy rainfall and can lead to flooding in certain areas. This term is commonly used in regions such as South Asia.

For instance, “The monsoon season in India typically lasts from June to September.”
A person in a monsoon-affected area might say, “I love the smell of the earth after a monsoon shower.”
In a travel guide, it might say, “Avoid visiting this region during monsoon season due to the high risk of torrential rains and landslides.”

23. Freezing rain

Freezing rain occurs when raindrops freeze upon contact with a surface that is below freezing temperature. This can lead to the formation of a glaze of ice, making travel and outdoor activities hazardous. “Ice storm” is another term used to describe this weather phenomenon.

For example, “Be careful on the roads, as freezing rain is expected tonight.”
A person experiencing freezing rain might say, “The freezing rain turned everything into a slippery mess.”
In a news report, it might say, “An ice storm is hitting the region, causing power outages and dangerous conditions.”

24. Saharan dust

Saharan dust refers to fine particles of dust and sand that are blown from the Sahara Desert and transported across long distances by the wind. This phenomenon can affect air quality and visibility in regions far away from the desert. In West Africa, it is sometimes referred to as “Harmattan”.

For instance, “The Saharan dust cloud is causing hazy skies and reduced air quality in our area.”
A person in a region affected by Saharan dust might say, “I can see a layer of dust on my car due to the Saharan dust storm.”
In a weather forecast, it might say, “The Harmattan winds are expected to bring Saharan dust to the region, leading to reduced visibility.”

25. Polar vortex

A polar vortex is a large-scale cyclone that is centered near the Earth’s poles. It is characterized by very cold air that is trapped within the vortex and can occasionally break free, resulting in a sudden drop in temperatures. “Arctic blast” is another term used to describe this extreme cold weather event.

For example, “The polar vortex is causing record-breaking low temperatures in the Midwest.”
A person experiencing a polar vortex might say, “I can’t believe how cold it is outside during this arctic blast.”
In a news report, it might say, “The polar vortex is expected to bring freezing temperatures and dangerous wind chills to the region.”

26. Heat index

The heat index is a measurement that combines air temperature and relative humidity to determine how hot it actually feels. It takes into account the body’s ability to cool itself through sweating and evaporation.

For example, a weather report might say, “The temperature is 85°F, but with the high humidity, the heat index makes it feel like 95°F.”
A person might complain, “I can’t stand this heat! The heat index is off the charts.”
On a particularly hot day, someone might ask, “What’s the heat index today? I need to plan my outdoor activities.”

27. Nor’easter

A nor’easter is a type of storm that typically affects the northeastern United States. It brings strong winds, heavy rain or snow, and coastal flooding. The term “nor’easter” comes from the direction the storm moves, from the northeast.

For instance, a weather alert might warn, “A powerful nor’easter is expected to bring blizzard conditions and coastal flooding.”
A person might say, “I hope this nor’easter doesn’t knock out power again.”
When discussing winter weather, someone might mention, “Nor’easters can dump huge amounts of snow in a short period of time.”

28. Rainbow weather

Rainbow weather refers to a weather condition where it is simultaneously raining and sunny. This combination creates the perfect conditions for a rainbow to form.

For example, a person might say, “Look outside! It’s rainbow weather!”
A child might exclaim, “I love rainbow weather because it means there might be a pot of gold at the end!”
When discussing weather anomalies, someone might bring up, “Rainbow weather is a rare occurrence, but it’s always a beautiful sight.”

29. Black ice

Black ice refers to a thin layer of transparent ice that forms on a surface, such as a road or sidewalk. It is called black ice because it blends in with the surface, making it difficult to see and extremely dangerous for vehicles and pedestrians.

For instance, a weather report might warn, “Be careful of black ice on the roads, as it can cause accidents.”
A person might say, “I slipped and fell on black ice this morning. It’s so hard to see!”
When discussing winter driving, someone might advise, “Watch out for black ice, especially in shaded areas and bridges.”

30. Red sky at night

The saying “red sky at night, sailor’s delight” refers to the belief that a red sky during sunset indicates fair weather to come. This phenomenon occurs due to the scattering of sunlight by particles in the atmosphere, which can create a red or orange hue.

For example, someone might say, “Look at the beautiful red sky at night! It means we’ll have clear weather tomorrow.”
A sailor might use this saying to predict the weather, saying, “Red sky at night, sailor’s delight. We’re in for calm seas.”
When discussing weather folklore, someone might mention, “I always pay attention to the color of the sky at sunset. Red sky at night usually means good weather.”

31. Whiteout

A whiteout refers to a weather condition where visibility is severely reduced due to heavy snowfall or blowing snow. It can make it difficult or impossible to see and navigate.

For example, “We had to cancel our plans because of the whiteout. It was too dangerous to drive.”
A person might say, “I got caught in a whiteout while skiing. I couldn’t see anything, it was like being in a snowstorm.”
A weather report might warn, “Expect whiteout conditions on the mountain pass. Travel is not advised.”

32. Indian summer

Indian summer refers to a period of unseasonably warm weather that occurs in late autumn, typically after the first frost. It is characterized by clear skies, above-average temperatures, and a sense of summer lingering.

For instance, “We’re experiencing an Indian summer this year. It’s still warm in November.”
Someone might say, “I love Indian summers. It’s like a bonus round of warm weather before winter.”
A weather forecast might mention, “Enjoy the Indian summer while it lasts. Cooler temperatures are on the way.”

33. Dog days

The term “dog days” refers to the hottest and most humid days of summer, typically occurring in July and August. It originates from the ancient belief that the heat during this period is caused by the “dog star” Sirius.

For example, “I can’t wait for the dog days to be over. It’s too hot to do anything.”
A person might complain, “The dog days are here and it’s unbearable. I can’t stand the humidity.”
A weather report might state, “Get ready for a stretch of dog days with temperatures reaching the mid-90s.”

34. El Niño

El Niño is a climate pattern that occurs in the Pacific Ocean and is characterized by warmer than average sea surface temperatures. It can have significant impacts on global weather patterns, often leading to extreme weather events like heavy rainfall or drought.

For instance, “We’re experiencing an El Niño year, which means we can expect more rain than usual.”
A person might say, “El Niño can disrupt weather patterns and cause extreme conditions.”
A meteorologist might explain, “El Niño occurs when the equatorial waters in the Pacific Ocean warm up, affecting weather systems worldwide.”

35. La Niña

La Niña is a climate pattern that occurs in the Pacific Ocean and is characterized by cooler than average sea surface temperatures. It is the opposite of El Niño and can also have significant impacts on global weather patterns, often leading to drier conditions in some regions.

For example, “We’re currently in a La Niña phase, which means we can expect colder temperatures and less rainfall.”
A person might say, “La Niña can result in more frequent and intense hurricanes in certain areas.”
A meteorologist might explain, “La Niña occurs when the equatorial waters in the Pacific Ocean cool down, affecting weather patterns worldwide.”

36. Tornado alley

Tornado alley refers to an area in the central United States where tornadoes are known to occur frequently. It is a colloquial term used to describe the region’s high tornado activity.

For example, “Living in Tornado Alley means being prepared for severe weather.”
A meteorologist might say, “Tornado Alley stretches from Texas to Nebraska.”
A news report might mention, “Several tornadoes touched down in Tornado Alley yesterday, causing significant damage.”

37. Snowmageddon

Snowmageddon is a term used to describe an intense and severe snowstorm. It implies a significant amount of snowfall and often leads to disruptions in daily life.

For instance, “Snowmageddon hit the city, causing schools and businesses to close.”
A weather forecast might warn, “Prepare for Snowmageddon this weekend, with heavy snowfall expected.”
A person might complain, “I’m tired of shoveling snow after every Snowmageddon.”

38. Heat dome

A heat dome refers to a weather phenomenon where a high-pressure system traps hot air and causes a prolonged period of extremely high temperatures.

For example, “The heat dome has settled over the region, bringing scorching temperatures.”
A meteorologist might explain, “A heat dome occurs when a high-pressure system sits and stagnates, trapping hot air beneath it.”
A news report might state, “The heat dome has led to record-breaking temperatures in the area.”

39. Weather front

A weather front is the boundary between two air masses with different characteristics, such as temperature or humidity. It often brings changes in weather conditions.

For instance, “The approaching weather front will bring cooler temperatures and rain.”
A meteorologist might explain, “A weather front is where warm and cold air masses meet, leading to atmospheric instability.”
A person might say, “I can feel the weather front moving in. My sinuses always act up when it changes.”

40. Isobar

An isobar is a line on a weather map that connects points of equal atmospheric pressure. It helps meteorologists analyze and predict weather patterns.

For example, “The isobars on the map indicate areas of high and low pressure.”
A meteorologist might say, “The closely spaced isobars indicate strong winds in the region.”
A person studying weather might note, “Isobars are useful for identifying areas of potential storm development.”

41. Doppler radar

Doppler radar is a type of radar that uses the Doppler effect to measure the velocity of precipitation particles. It can detect the movement of rain, snow, or other forms of precipitation, and is commonly used in weather forecasting and storm tracking.

For example, a meteorologist might say, “We’re tracking a severe thunderstorm using Doppler radar.”
During a weather report, the forecaster might mention, “Doppler radar indicates heavy rain moving into the area.”
A storm chaser might rely on Doppler radar to locate and track tornadoes.

42. Sunny

When the sky is free of clouds and the sun is shining brightly, the weather is described as sunny. It typically indicates a pleasant and warm day with ample sunlight.

For instance, a person might say, “Let’s go to the beach, it’s a sunny day.”
During a picnic, someone might comment, “We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect sunny day.”
A weather forecast might state, “Expect sunny conditions with temperatures reaching the mid-80s.”

43. Tornado

A tornado is a rapidly rotating column of air that is in contact with both the surface of the Earth and a cumulonimbus cloud. It is often characterized by a visible condensation funnel and can cause significant damage and destruction.

For example, a witness might describe a tornado as, “The tornado was massive, swirling everything in its path.”
During a severe weather warning, a meteorologist might say, “A tornado has been spotted in the area. Take shelter immediately.”
A person recounting their experience might say, “I’ll never forget the sound of the tornado sirens and the fear of seeing a funnel cloud.”

44. Hazy

When the air is filled with fine dust, smoke, or other particles that obscure visibility and give the atmosphere a blurred appearance, the weather is described as hazy. It often occurs in hot and humid conditions.

For instance, a person might say, “The view of the city skyline was hazy due to air pollution.”
During a heatwave, a weather report might mention, “Expect hazy conditions with temperatures reaching the high 90s.”
A traveler might comment, “The hazy weather made it difficult to see the mountains in the distance.”

45. Icy

When a surface or the environment is covered or coated with ice, the weather is described as icy. It often occurs during freezing temperatures or after precipitation has frozen.

For example, a person might say, “Be careful, the roads are icy and slippery.”
During a winter storm warning, a meteorologist might say, “Expect icy conditions with freezing rain and sleet.”
A hiker might warn others, “The trail is icy, make sure to wear appropriate footwear and use caution.”

46. Tempest

This word is used to refer to a violent and turbulent storm, usually accompanied by strong winds and heavy rain or snow. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a situation or event that is chaotic or tumultuous.

For example, “The tempest outside was so strong that it blew down trees and caused power outages.”
In a figurative sense, someone might say, “The political climate is a tempest right now, with conflicting opinions and heated debates.”
Another usage could be, “She unleashed a tempest of emotions, crying and yelling at the same time.”

47. Sizzling

This term is used to describe weather that is extremely hot or scorching. It can also be used figuratively to describe a situation or event that is intense or exciting.

For instance, “The sun was sizzling, and I could feel the heat burning my skin.”
In a metaphorical sense, someone might say, “The competition on the basketball court was sizzling, with both teams giving their all.”
Another usage could be, “The romance between the two characters was sizzling, with sparks flying every time they were together.”

48. Blustery

This word is used to describe weather that is characterized by strong winds that are gusty and turbulent. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a person or their behavior as loud, boastful, or full of hot air.

For example, “The blustery wind blew debris across the street and made it difficult to walk.”
In a figurative sense, someone might say, “He’s always blustery, boasting about his accomplishments and making grand promises.”
Another usage could be, “The blustery politician made bold claims during his speech, but many doubted their validity.”

49. Freezing

This term is used to describe weather that is extremely cold, often below the freezing point of water. It can also be used figuratively to describe a situation or event that is very uncomfortable or unpleasant.

For instance, “I could see my breath in the freezing air, and my fingers were numb with cold.”
In a metaphorical sense, someone might say, “The tension in the room was freezing, with everyone avoiding eye contact and speaking in hushed tones.”
Another usage could be, “She gave him a freezing glare, making it clear that she was not happy with his actions.”

50. Tornado weather

This phrase is used to describe weather conditions that are conducive to the formation of tornadoes. It typically refers to a combination of atmospheric factors, such as high instability, strong wind shear, and a favorable moisture profile.

For example, “The dark clouds and swirling winds indicated that it was tornado weather.”
Someone discussing severe weather might say, “When the conditions are right, tornadoes can form and wreak havoc in a matter of minutes.”
Another usage could be, “The meteorologist issued a warning for tornado weather in the area, urging residents to seek shelter immediately.”

51. Hurricane conditions

This term refers to the weather conditions that are associated with a hurricane, such as strong winds, heavy rain, and potential storm surges.

For example, a meteorologist might say, “We are currently experiencing hurricane conditions with winds reaching up to 100 mph.”
A news report might warn, “Residents in the affected area should prepare for hurricane conditions and take necessary precautions.”
A person describing their experience might say, “During the hurricane, we were stuck in our house with hurricane conditions raging outside.”

52. Steamy

This term is used to describe weather that is very hot and humid, often making it uncomfortable or sticky.

For instance, a person might say, “It’s so steamy outside, I can’t wait to get into some air conditioning.”
A weather forecast might report, “Expect steamy conditions with temperatures in the high 90s and high humidity.”
Someone might complain, “I can’t stand this steamy weather, it’s making me sweat like crazy!”

53. Showery

This term describes weather that has frequent showers or periods of rain, often occurring throughout the day.

For example, a weather forecast might say, “Expect showery conditions with scattered showers throughout the day.”
A person might comment, “I didn’t bring an umbrella and now I’m stuck in these showery conditions.”
A hiker might plan their day around the weather and say, “I’ll wait for the showery conditions to pass before going on my hike.”