A. Weather conversations

• A: Bit cold today, isn’t it?
• B: Yes, it’s chilly/freezing/nippy, isn’t it?
• A: It’s hot, isn’t it?
• B: Yes, it’s boiling/sweltering/roasting!
• A: It’s a bit windy today!
• B: Yes, really blowy/breezy, isn’t it?
• A: What oppressive/sultry weather!
• B: Yes, isn’t it stifling/heavy/close?
• A: What a downpour/deluge!
• B: Yes, it’s chucking it down / it’s pouring!
• A: Isn’t it humid today?
• B: Yes, horrible muggy/clammy/sticky weather!

B. Climate and metaphors

• Climate metaphors are often used, particularly in written English.
• The word climate can refer to the general atmosphere or situation in society.
• His secrecy and dishonesty created a climate of distrust.
• The government reforms have contributed to a climate of change.
• The words cultural, current, economic, financial, moral, political, social and prevailing all collocate strongly with climate in this social sense.
• She has a very sunny disposition – she’s hardly ever miserable.
• Though they won the championship last year, the outlook for the team is less sunny this year.
• Unfortunately, our plans met with a frosty reception.
• I’m snowed under with work – I’ll never get through it all in time.
• After the company accounts were examined, the manager left under a cloud.
• Don’t let your love for him cloud your judgement.
• The soldiers were hit with a hail of bullets.
• The Prime Minister was greeted with a hail/storm of abuse.
• I’ve only a hazy memory of my first day at school.
• The truth is hidden in the mists of history.
• The article sparked a whirlwind of speculation.
• They had a whirlwind romance and got married just a month after they met.
• The horses thundered down the racetrack.
• Thunderous applause followed his speech.(Note that thundery is used to describe stormy weather while thunderous describes a loud, deep noise.)
• The winds of change/discontent/democracy are blowing across the country.