dreadful weather

You can use this phrase as a complete thought or part of a sentence. It often follows verbs like is or have. For example, "We are having dreadful weather today." You can also use it to start a conversation with a stranger. It is a very safe way to complain without being too negative. Just remember that dreadful is an adjective that adds a bit of drama to your speech.

Use this when it has been raining for three days straight. Use it when the wind is blowing your umbrella inside out. It is perfect for small talk at the office or with neighbors. If you are canceling plans because of a storm, this is your go-to phrase. It sounds natural in almost any setting where the sky looks angry. It is especially useful in the UK or rainy parts of the US.

Do not use this for a light, refreshing drizzle. If the sun is out but it is just a little chilly, dreadful is too strong. Avoid using it in extreme life-threatening disasters like a tornado or hurricane. In those cases, dreadful sounds a bit too polite or understated. Also, don't use it if you are actually enjoying the rain! It is strictly for complaining.

British people are famous for talking about the weather constantly. In English culture, complaining about the rain is a national hobby. Using the word dreadful makes you sound slightly more sophisticated or traditional. It has a bit of an old-fashioned, classy ring to it. It helps people bond over a shared sense of misery while waiting for a bus.

You will often hear people swap dreadful for other strong adjectives. You might hear foul weather, ghastly weather, or miserable weather. In very casual settings, people might just say rubbish weather or awful weather. If it is raining specifically, someone might say it is bucketing down. However, dreadful weather remains the most balanced and widely understood version.