B1 Collocation Neutral 3 min de lectura

extreme weather

Severe conditions

Use it to describe dangerous weather that disrupts normal life or breaks historical records.

En 15 segundos

  • Used for dangerous or record-breaking weather events like hurricanes.
  • Common in news, professional settings, and serious climate discussions.
  • More intense than saying 'bad weather' or 'a storm'.

Significado

This phrase describes weather that is much more intense or dangerous than usual. It covers things like huge storms, heatwaves, or freezing blizzards that disrupt daily life.

Ejemplos clave

3 de 6
1

Explaining a flight delay

Our flight was canceled due to extreme weather in Chicago.

Our flight was canceled due to extreme weather in Chicago.

💼
2

Texting a friend during a storm

Stay safe! This extreme weather is getting pretty scary.

Stay safe! This extreme weather is getting pretty scary.

🤝
3

A news reporter giving an update

Emergency services are bracing for more extreme weather tonight.

Emergency services are bracing for more extreme weather tonight.

👔
🌍

Contexto cultural

The phrase has surged in popularity over the last 20 years due to increased media coverage of climate change. In many English-speaking cultures, discussing 'extreme weather' is a socially acceptable way to bring up environmental concerns without being too political. It also reflects a shift from seeing weather as a 'mood' to seeing it as a global force.

💡

Sound like a Pro

If you want to sound even more specific, use 'extreme weather events' to talk about individual storms or heatwaves.

⚠️

Don't Overuse It

If you use this for every little rain shower, you'll sound like 'The Boy Who Cried Wolf.' Save it for the real drama.

En 15 segundos

  • Used for dangerous or record-breaking weather events like hurricanes.
  • Common in news, professional settings, and serious climate discussions.
  • More intense than saying 'bad weather' or 'a storm'.

What It Means

Extreme weather refers to atmospheric conditions that are far outside the normal range. Think of it as the weather's way of throwing a tantrum. It is not just a rainy day. It is a flood. It is not just a warm afternoon. It is a record-breaking heatwave. When you use this phrase, you are talking about events that make the news. These events often cause damage or force people to stay indoors for safety.

How To Use It

You can use extreme weather as a general category for many disasters. It works well as a subject in a sentence. For example, Extreme weather is becoming more common. You can also use it to explain why you are late. Try saying, I couldn't make it because of the extreme weather. It sounds a bit more serious than just saying 'the rain.' It implies that the conditions were actually dangerous.

When To Use It

Use this phrase when you want to sound informed or serious. It is perfect for professional meetings or news discussions. You can use it when talking to neighbors about the climate. It is also great for travel warnings. If you are texting a friend to cancel plans during a hurricane, this fits perfectly. It adds a layer of 'this is a big deal' to your conversation.

When NOT To Use It

Do not use this for a light drizzle or a slightly chilly breeze. If you call a regular cloudy day extreme weather, people will think you are being very dramatic. Avoid using it in very casual, slang-heavy chats unless you are joking. If your ice cream melts a little fast, that is not extreme weather. Keep it for the big stuff like tornadoes or droughts.

Cultural Background

In English-speaking countries, talking about the weather is a national pastime. It is the ultimate 'small talk' topic. However, extreme weather has moved from scientific papers into daily chat. This is mostly due to climate change discussions. People now use it to express concern about the planet. In places like the UK or the US, it is a safe way to start a deep conversation. It bridges the gap between 'nice day' and 'global issues.'

Common Variations

You might hear people say severe weather or wild weather. Severe weather is a bit more official, like a police report. Wild weather is what your fun Australian friend might call a big storm. You could also hear weather extremes when people talk about statistics. Stick to extreme weather for the most natural, modern feel.

Notas de uso

The phrase is highly versatile and fits almost any social or professional context. Just remember that 'weather' is an uncountable noun, so never say 'an extreme weather.'

💡

Sound like a Pro

If you want to sound even more specific, use 'extreme weather events' to talk about individual storms or heatwaves.

⚠️

Don't Overuse It

If you use this for every little rain shower, you'll sound like 'The Boy Who Cried Wolf.' Save it for the real drama.

💬

The British Factor

In the UK, people love to complain. Calling a bit of snow 'extreme weather' is a common way to bond over how 'the country has stopped working.'

Ejemplos

6
#1 Explaining a flight delay
💼

Our flight was canceled due to extreme weather in Chicago.

Our flight was canceled due to extreme weather in Chicago.

Used here to provide a formal, valid reason for a travel disruption.

#2 Texting a friend during a storm
🤝

Stay safe! This extreme weather is getting pretty scary.

Stay safe! This extreme weather is getting pretty scary.

Shows concern and acknowledges the intensity of the situation.

#3 A news reporter giving an update
👔

Emergency services are bracing for more extreme weather tonight.

Emergency services are bracing for more extreme weather tonight.

Standard journalistic use to describe incoming danger.

#4 Complaining about a very hot day
😄

I'm not leaving the house; this heat is basically extreme weather now!

I'm not leaving the house; this heat is basically extreme weather now!

A slightly exaggerated use to emphasize how hot it feels.

#5 Discussing a natural disaster
💭

The town is still recovering from the extreme weather we had last winter.

The town is still recovering from the extreme weather we had last winter.

Used to reflect on a difficult past event.

#6 A business meeting about logistics
💼

We need a plan to handle extreme weather impacts on our shipping.

We need a plan to handle extreme weather impacts on our shipping.

Focuses on the practical consequences of the environment.

Ponte a prueba

Choose the best word to complete the sentence about a massive blizzard.

The city shut down all trains because of the ___ weather.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: extreme

A blizzard is a dangerous, intense event, making 'extreme' the correct descriptor.

Identify the most natural phrase for a news headline.

Scientists warn that ___ is becoming more frequent.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: extreme weather

Extreme weather is the standard term used by scientists and the media.

🎉 Puntuación: /2

Ayudas visuales

Formality of 'Extreme Weather'

Casual

Used when joking about a small storm.

Neutral

Standard use in daily conversation and news.

Formal

Used in scientific reports and government warnings.

When to say 'Extreme Weather'

Extreme Weather
🌍

Climate Change Debate

We must prepare for more extreme weather.

✈️

Flight Cancellations

Delayed due to extreme weather.

⚠️

Safety Warnings

Avoid driving during extreme weather.

🏠

Insurance Claims

The roof was damaged by extreme weather.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Not exactly. Bad weather is subjective (like rain on a picnic), but extreme weather is objectively dangerous or record-breaking.

Yes, it is very common in texts to explain why you are staying home or to check if someone is safe during a storm.

It is neutral. It works perfectly in a scientific journal or a casual chat with your neighbor.

Examples include hurricanes, tornadoes, prolonged droughts, and massive blizzards.

You can, but it sounds very poetic or old-fashioned. Extreme weather is much more common today.

It is a major topic because of climate change, so you will see it in the news almost every day.

They are interchangeable, but severe weather is often used specifically by meteorologists for warnings.

Only if it is unusually cold for that area, like a 'polar vortex' in a place that is usually warm.

No, 'weather' is uncountable. Say some extreme weather or an extreme weather event instead.

Yes, if you are explaining how you handled a crisis or why a project was delayed.

Frases relacionadas

Severe weather warning

An official alert that dangerous weather is coming.

Climate change

The long-term shift in global temperatures and weather patterns.

Natural disaster

A major event like a flood or earthquake that causes great damage.

Act of God

A legal term for natural events outside human control, like extreme weather.

¿Te ha servido?
¡No hay comentarios todavía. Sé el primero en compartir tus ideas!

Empieza a aprender idiomas gratis

Empieza Gratis