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Responding to Sudden Weather Changes

Individuals react to and discuss an unexpected change in weather, like a sudden downpour, heatwave, or cold snap, and adjust their immediate plans.

Dialogue

Listen and follow along with the conversation

1
Sarah (Female)
Wow, did you see that? It just started pouring out of nowhere!
2
John (Male)
I know, right? I was just about to head out for my run. Typical unpredictable spring weather.
3
Sarah (Female)
Tell me about it! I thought the forecast said partly cloudy for the rest of the afternoon. So much for that picnic in the park.
4
John (Male)
Yeah, it really caught me off guard. Good thing I didn't leave yet. What are you going to do instead?
5
Sarah (Female)
I guess I'll just stay in and do some reading. I really wanted to enjoy the fresh air though. This rain seems pretty heavy.
6
John (Male)
It is. Maybe it'll clear up later, but for now, it looks like we're stuck indoors. How about we grab a coffee instead of our original plans?
7
Sarah (Female)
That's a great idea! There's a cozy cafe just around the corner, we won't get too wet running there. Let's do that.

Vocabulary

Essential words and phrases from the dialogue

pouring

Means raining very heavily, like water pouring down from the sky. Use it in weather talks: 'It's pouring outside, so take an umbrella.'

out of nowhere

Describes something that happens suddenly without warning. Common in casual conversations: 'The rain came out of nowhere.'

unpredictable

Means something that can't be predicted easily, like changeable weather. Useful for describing seasons: 'Spring is so unpredictable.'

forecast

A prediction about future weather from news or apps. Say: 'According to the forecast, it will be sunny tomorrow.'

caught off guard

Means surprised by something unexpected. In weather: 'The sudden snow caught me off guard.'

clear up

When clouds go away and the sky becomes sunny. Use for weather changes: 'I hope it clears up soon.'

cozy

Describes a place that feels warm, comfortable, and inviting, like a nice cafe. Say: 'Let's go to that cozy cafe.'

Key Sentences

Important phrases to remember and practice

It just started pouring out of nowhere!

This expresses surprise at sudden heavy rain. Useful for reacting to weather changes; uses 'just started' for recent actions and 'out of nowhere' for unexpected events. Practice in casual talks about surprises.

Typical unpredictable spring weather.

Comments on common weather patterns. 'Typical' means usual, 'unpredictable' describes changeability. Great for small talk about seasons; helps learners discuss experiences.

So much for that picnic in the park.

An idiom showing disappointment when plans fail. Use after bad weather ruins something; it's sarcastic and common in informal English to express frustration lightly.

It really caught me off guard.

Means it surprised me unexpectedly. The phrase 'catch someone off guard' is an idiom for being unprepared. Useful in conversations about sudden changes, like weather or events.

Maybe it'll clear up later, but for now, it looks like we're stuck indoors.

Suggests hope for improvement while accepting the current situation. 'Clear up' means become sunny; 'stuck' implies unable to go out. Good for planning alternatives during bad weather.

How about we grab a coffee instead of our original plans?

Proposes a new idea politely. 'How about' suggests options; 'grab a coffee' is casual for getting a quick drink. Perfect for adjusting plans in social chats, especially with weather issues.