What's the Weather Like? Meaning and Usage

Meaning 1：asking about weather (What's the weather like?)

What's the weather like? 🔊

/wʌts ðə ˈwɛðər laɪk/

phr.

A common question to ask about the current conditions, like if it's sunny, rainy, or windy.

What's the weather like? Two friends chatting by window asking about sky

asking about weather 🔊

➕

/ˈæskɪŋ əˈbaʊt ˈwɛðər/

phr.

This phrase is used to ask someone to describe the current meteorological conditions such as temperature, precipitation, wind, etc.

📁 Category：Natural Geography 🔖 Level：Elementary

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Wh-word 'what' + 'is' (contracted) + 'the' + 'weather' + 'like' forming a question about conditions.

💡 Mnemonic

Remember: 'What' + 'weather' + 'like' = W+W+L for asking conditions.

📖 Example

Before we plan our picnic, let's call and ask what's the weather like over there. 🔊 Before we plan our picnic, let's call and ask what the weather is like over there.

🔗 Collocations

What's the weather like today? – An inquiry about today's weather conditions.

What's the weather like outside? – A question asking for current outdoor weather.

What's the weather like in [place]? – A question about weather in a specific location.

🔄 Synonyms

How's the weather? (phr.) – A common alternative question asking about current weather.

What's the forecast? (phr.) – A question about predicted weather conditions.

Is it nice out? (phr.) – An informal way to ask if the weather is pleasant.

📖 Cultural Story

This phrase is a staple of casual conversation in English-speaking cultures, often used as an icebreaker or to plan outdoor activities. It reflects the English tendency to discuss weather as a neutral topic.