IELTS Vocabulary Focus – Weather

Here is a useful vocabulary table containing 10 words you should know if you want to talk about the weather. 

This is an IELTS Speaking Part 1 topic from September ~ April 2023.

Vocabulary Table

Word	Part of Speech	Definition	Example Sentence
Sweltering	Adjective	Used to describe extremely hot and humid weather.	It’s sweltering outside – I’m sweating just standing here!
Scorching	Adjective	Used to describe very high temperatures that can cause discomfort or damage.	The desert can be scorching during the day and freezing at night.
Frigid	Adjective	Used to describe very cold weather, often with a wind chill that makes it feel even colder.	The frigid winter temperatures made it difficult to leave the house.
Chilly	Adjective	Used to describe cool temperatures that are somewhat uncomfortable, but not necessarily freezing.	It’s a little chilly outside, so I’m wearing a light jacket.
Brisk	Adjective	Used to describe refreshing, invigorating cool weather, often associated with autumn.	The brisk fall air is perfect for a morning run.
Crisp	Adjective	Used to describe cool, dry weather with clear skies, often associated with fall and winter.	The crisp winter air always makes me feel more alert and awake.
Blustery	Adjective	Used to describe strong, gusty winds, often accompanied by precipitation.	The blustery weather made it difficult to walk outside without being blown over.
Gale-force	Adjective	Used to describe very strong winds, typically over 40 mph.	The storm brought gale-force winds that knocked down trees and power lines.
Pouring	Adjective	Used to describe heavy rain that falls in sheets.	It’s pouring outside, so I’m glad I brought my raincoat and boots.
Showery	Adjective	Used to describe scattered or intermittent rain showers throughout the day.

Example Answers

• What’s the weather usually like in your hometown?

“It can really vary depending on the time of year. In the summer months, it’s usually quite sunny and hot, sometimes it reaches the mid-30s. However, we do sometimes experience thunderstorms and stormy weather during this time as well. In the fall and winter months, the weather can be quite cold and brisk, it’s quite common for it to drop below freezing and we get a bit of snowfall as well. During the spring months, the weather tends to be hit and miss, with both rainy and sunny days – one day might be cool and crisp, then the next is warm and breezy. So it really depends on the season.”

• What’s your favourite kind of weather?

“Personally, I think that the best kind of weather is a sunny and cool day, with temperatures in the mid-20s Celsius and a light breeze. That’s perfect for outdoor activities and is comfortable enough to spend time outside without getting too hot or too cold. Also, the sun makes everything look bright and cheerful, which cheers me up.”

• Do you like wet weather at all?

“Personally, I enjoy a little bit of rainy weather every now and then. It’s a great excuse to stay indoors and cosy up with a good book or movie. But I definitely don’t enjoy being caught outside without an umbrella in a pouring rainstorm. The rain does cool things down in the summer at least, so sometimes right after some rain it’s nice and cool, but those are the only times I think I like wet weather.”

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