strong wind description creative writing

How to Describe the Wind in Writing (100 Words + Examples)

It can be a bit tricky to find the right words or phrases to make your readers see and feel the wind.

Here is how to describe the wind in writing:

Describe the wind in writing by using sensory language to evoke its force, sound, temperature, effect, direction, time of day, and personified traits. Each description should enhance the narrative, helping to set the scene, build atmosphere, and engage the reader.

In this guide, we’ll discuss all the different ways to describe wind based on its force, sound, speed, and more.

Describing Wind by Its Force

Table of Contents

The force of the wind can dramatically change the perception of a scene.

The contrast between a gentle breeze and a violent gale is not just a measure of intensity.

But can also signify changing moods, symbolize emotional shifts, or foreshadow significant events.

Here is how to do it:

• Gentle : A gentle wind softly touches, a delicate interaction with the environment. Example: “The gentle wind caressed the petals of the blooming flowers, their fragrance subtly wafting in the air.”
• Light : A light breeze is almost playful, just strong enough to stir the leaves. Example: “A light wind tugged at her hair as she sat by the river, the tranquil scene filling her with peace.”
• Calm : A calm wind denotes tranquility and serenity, ideal for peaceful settings. Example: “The calm wind moved lazily through the tall grass, making it sway like waves in a calm sea.”
• Whispering : A whispering wind is quiet, giving a sense of intimacy and closeness. Example: “The whispering wind carried the melody of the distant lullaby, lulling the town to sleep.”
• Soothing : A soothing wind provides relief or comfort. Example: “The soothing wind was a balm against the harsh summer heat, its gentle caress reviving his spirits.”
• Blustery : A blustery wind is strong and cold, often associated with the autumn and winter months. Example: “The blustery wind cut through his jacket, making him shiver as he trod the leaf-strewn path.”
• Howling : A howling wind is fierce, invoking images of storms or tempests. Example: “The howling wind made the old house creak ominously, its eerie tune setting the mood for the night.”
• Fierce : A fierce wind indicates a wild and uncontrolled force. Example: “The fierce wind shook the window panes, a testament to the storm’s power.”
• Wild : Wild wind suggests a sense of chaos and lack of control. Example: “The wild wind tossed the ship like a toy, waves crashing over the deck.”
• Gusty : Gusty winds are strong and sudden, capable of causing brief moments of disarray. Example: “The gusty wind snatched the papers from his hands, scattering them in every direction.”

Describing Wind by Its Sound

The sound of the wind is often used to set the atmosphere of a scene.

From the silent rustling of leaves to the ominous howling in a storm, the sonic quality of wind can bring your writing to life.

• Soft : A soft wind might be barely audible, adding a sense of tranquility. Example: “The soft rustle of the wind through the trees was a soothing backdrop to their quiet conversation.”
• Hushed : A hushed wind is a secret whisper, barely noticeable. Example: “A hushed breeze stirred the silent forest, the only sign of life in the deep wilderness.”
• Silent : A silent wind might not make any sound, but its effects can be seen or felt. Example: “The silent wind danced with the dunes, shifting the desert landscape as if alive.”
• Quiet : A quiet wind does not overpower other sounds, acting as a subtle background note. Example: “The quiet wind murmured through the leaves, a soft accompaniment to the chorus of singing birds.”
• Noisy : A noisy wind is boisterous, drawing attention to its presence. Example: “The noisy wind rustled the newspapers, alerting the alley cat of someone’s approach.”
• Roaring : A roaring wind has a deep, loud sound, often associated with storms or extreme weather. Example: “The roaring wind was deafening, drowning out all other sounds.”
• Screaming : A screaming wind gives the impression of high intensity or danger. Example: “The wind screamed around them, a chilling prelude to the approaching hurricane.”
• Howling : A howling wind is loud and sorrowful, invoking a sense of loneliness or fear. Example: “The howling wind seemed to voice the loneliness of the old mansion, its chilling song echoing in the empty rooms.”
• Whistling : A whistling wind creates high-pitched sounds as it passes through narrow spaces. Example: “The wind whistled through the bare branches, a lonely melody in the frigid winter air.”
• Moaning : A moaning wind can suggest discomfort or eeriness. Example: “The wind moaned through the ruined tower, its ghostly sighs stirring tales of lost battles and ancient sorrows.”

Describing Wind by Its Speed

The speed of the wind can influence the rhythm and pacing of your writing.

Slow winds might suggest a leisurely pace, while fast winds can bring energy and excitement.

• Slow : A slow wind suggests a relaxed or languid mood. Example: “The slow wind moved lazily across the field, the daisies bending and swaying in a slow dance.”
• Lazy : A lazy wind has a lackadaisical quality, perfect for a calm, sunny afternoon. Example: “A lazy wind drifted through the orchard, the scent of ripe apples carried in its wake.”
• Languid : A languid wind is slow and relaxed, hinting at tranquility and leisure. Example: “The languid breeze that wafted from the sea brought a sense of calm and serenity.”
• Meandering : A meandering wind takes its time, as though it’s enjoying the journey rather than rushing towards a destination. Example: “The meandering wind played amidst the autumn leaves, carrying them on a leisurely dance.”
• Drifting : A drifting wind is unhurried and aimless, adding a dreamlike quality to the scene. Example: “The drifting wind carried the scent of lilacs, its sweet perfume invoking memories of past summers.”
• Fast : A fast wind is full of energy, ideal for scenes of action or urgency. Example: “The fast wind whipped her hair around her face as she raced down the hill.”
• Quick : A quick wind might signal an abrupt change or a breathless moment. Example: “The quick wind brought the first hint of the storm, the air suddenly heavy with tension.”
• Swift : A swift wind brings movement and flow to the scene, emphasizing speed and motion. Example: “The swift wind carried the fallen petals, creating a blizzard of cherry blossoms.”
• Rushing : A rushing wind suggests urgency or turmoil. Example: “The rushing wind tore through the narrow streets, a harbinger of the tempest to come.”
• Speeding : A speeding wind signifies rapid movement and can be used to convey a sense of excitement or danger. Example: “The speeding wind roared in his ears as he plummeted towards the ground, his parachute trailing behind him.”

Describing Wind by Its Temperature

The temperature of the wind can greatly influence the overall feeling of a scene.

Whether a warm summer breeze or a frigid winter gust, the wind’s temperature can evoke a range of emotions and sensations in the reader.

• Warm : A warm wind suggests comfort and the promise of balmy weather. Example: “The warm wind, heavy with the scent of blooming jasmine, hinted at the approaching summer.”
• Hot : A hot wind can be oppressive, often associated with desert or drought conditions. Example: “The hot wind carried the sting of the sand, searing any exposed skin.”
• Cool : A cool wind is often refreshing, a welcome relief from the heat. Example: “The cool wind that rustled the palm leaves brought momentary relief from the tropical heat.”
• Cold : A cold wind might suggest discomfort or harsh weather conditions. Example: “The cold wind gnawed at their cheeks, turning them a rosy pink.”
• Chilling : A chilling wind often connotes something ominous or foreboding. Example: “The chilling wind blew through the graveyard, making the mourners shiver uncontrollably.”
• Icy : An icy wind is not only cold but also piercing, cutting through layers of clothing. Example: “The icy wind cut through her coat like a knife, making her shudder with cold.”
• Frigid : A frigid wind can suggest extreme cold, often associated with winter or high-altitude settings. Example: “The frigid wind howled across the snow-covered mountains, stinging any exposed skin.”
• Scorching : A scorching wind is intensely hot, like being in an oven or near a fire. Example: “The scorching wind was like a wall of heat, making the mere act of breathing a challenge.”
• Refreshing : A refreshing wind is cool and invigorating, often associated with spring or morning breezes. Example: “The refreshing wind stirred the wildflowers, carrying their sweet scent across the meadow.”
• Biting : A biting wind is harsh and painful, carrying an insinuation of discomfort or hostility. Example: “The biting wind whipped around them, making every step a battle against the elements.”

Describing Wind by Its Effects

Another way to describe the wind is by the impact it has on the surrounding environment.

This can provide a vivid, indirect way of conveying the strength or character of the wind.

• Rustling : A rustling wind gently stirs leaves and grass. Example: “The rustling wind stirred up the autumn leaves, creating a colorful whirlwind.”
• Whipping : A whipping wind moves with force, capable of causing disarray. Example: “The whipping wind tore at their clothes, making it hard to move forward.”
• Caressing : A caressing wind moves gently, like a lover’s touch. Example: “The caressing wind played with her hair, sending shivers down her spine.”
• Tugging : A tugging wind pulls at things, providing a sense of its strength. Example: “The tugging wind pulled at his hat, threatening to send it flying.”
• Stirring : A stirring wind causes slight movement, especially in water or loose particles like sand or dust. Example: “The stirring wind created tiny ripples across the pond, disturbing the otherwise mirror-like surface.”
• Sweeping : A sweeping wind suggests broad, fast movement over a large area. Example: “The sweeping wind cleared the fog, revealing the breathtaking vista of the valley below.”
• Roaring : A roaring wind gives an impression of intensity and might. Example: “The roaring wind stripped the trees of their autumn leaves, leaving the branches bare and exposed.”
• Dancing : A dancing wind moves unpredictably, swirling and changing direction. Example: “The dancing wind swirled the snowflakes into intricate patterns, as if orchestrating a ballet of the elements.”
• Carrying : A carrying wind can transport scents, sounds, or smaller objects over distances. Example: “The carrying wind brought the distant sound of church bells, drifting on the air like a sacred melody.”
• Buffeting : A buffeting wind strikes repeatedly and forcefully, causing everything in its path to shake or rattle. Example: “The buffeting wind rattled the old window frames, their constant clattering a testament to the storm’s fury.”

Describing Wind by Its Direction

The direction of the wind can have significant implications for your narrative, from determining the movement of clouds to hinting at changes in weather or seasons.

Here is how to describe the wind by its direction:

• North : A north wind, often cold, can signify the arrival of winter or a cooling trend. Example: “The north wind carried the scent of snow, a chilling harbinger of the approaching winter.”
• South : A south wind is typically warm, often suggesting the onset of spring or summer. Example: “The south wind, laden with the heady fragrance of blooming roses, heralded the arrival of a sultry summer.”
• East : An east wind can be seen as bringing change or new beginnings. Example: “The east wind brought the first light of dawn, casting long shadows on the silent town.”
• West : A west wind often carries the connotation of ending or closure. Example: “The west wind carried the last notes of the song, echoing the sun’s farewell as it dipped below the horizon.”
• Upland : An upland wind moves uphill, suggesting effort or challenge. Example: “The upland wind whispered encouraging words in her ear as she climbed the steep hill.”
• Downland : A downland wind moves downhill, hinting at ease or relaxation. Example: “The downland wind guided the fallen leaves on their journey to the valley.”
• Seaward : A seaward wind moves towards the sea, often evoking a sense of longing or adventure. Example: “The seaward wind filled their sails, drawing them towards the vast, unexplored ocean.”
• Landward : A landward wind moves towards land, typically associated with feelings of safety or return. Example: “The landward wind carried the familiar scent of pine and woodsmoke, a promise of home.”
• Incoming : An incoming wind moves towards the observer, indicating the approach of something. Example: “The incoming wind carried the distant rumble of thunder, a stark warning of the storm’s approach.”
• Outgoing : An outgoing wind moves away from the observer, often signaling departure or relief. Example: “The outgoing wind took the last traces of the forest fire, the air finally clear and breathable.”

Describing Wind by Its Time of Day

The time of day can also influence how the wind is perceived, adding an additional layer of nuance to your descriptions.

• Morning : A morning wind suggests freshness and the beginning of a new day. Example: “The morning wind, cool and crisp, breathed life into the sleepy town.”
• Noon : A noon wind often conveys the intensity of the midday sun. Example: “The noon wind, hot and dry, made the mirages dance on the distant horizon.”
• Afternoon : An afternoon wind can signal a gradual easing of the day’s heat. Example: “The afternoon wind brought welcome relief, stirring the lethargic summer air.”
• Evening : An evening wind often indicates the transition from day to night. Example: “The evening wind carried the twilight song of the birds, an enchanting serenade as day gave way to night.”
• Night : A night wind is typically associated with mystery, calm, or the unknown. Example: “The night wind whispered tales of forgotten times, its hushed voice blending with the rustle of the ancient trees.”
• Dawn : A dawn wind implies new beginnings or hope. Example: “The dawn wind stirred the sea into a shimmering canvas, painting the first light of day in vibrant hues of orange and gold.”
• Dusk : A dusk wind carries the end of the day and the onset of the evening. Example: “The dusk wind rustled the falling leaves, echoing the sun’s farewell as it dipped below the horizon.”
• Midnight : A midnight wind can evoke the depth of the night and the mysteries it holds. Example: “The midnight wind carried the eerie howls from the distance, its chilling message clear in the silent night.”
• Daybreak : A daybreak wind suggests renewal or a fresh start. Example: “The daybreak wind carried the scent of dew-kissed grass, a subtle hint of the world awakening to a new day.”
• Twilight : A twilight wind signifies transition or change, often bringing a sense of calm. Example: “The twilight wind stirred the lavender fields, their soothing scent bringing a serene end to the day.”

Describing Wind by Its Smell

Scents carried by the wind can help set the scene and evoke strong emotions and memories in your readers.

Here are a few ways you can describe wind by its smell:

• Salt-tinged : A wind that carries the smell of the sea. Example: “A salt-tinged wind swept across the deck, instantly transporting him back to his childhood summers by the ocean.”
• Pine-scented : A wind carrying the aroma of pine forests. Example: “The pine-scented wind was a refreshing balm, cleaning the city smog from her lungs.”
• Smoky : A wind that carries the smell of smoke, indicating a fire. Example: “The smoky wind stung their eyes and throats, a cruel herald of the approaching wildfire.”
• Floral : A wind filled with the scent of flowers. Example: “A floral wind drifted through the open window, the intoxicating perfume of the garden mingling with the crisp linen sheets.”
• Dusty : A wind that carries the smell of dust or dry earth. Example: “The dusty wind was a tangible reminder of the long, parched summer.”
• Rain-soaked : A wind carrying the fresh smell of rain or an approaching storm. Example: “The rain-soaked wind promised a respite from the relentless heat.”
• Herb-laden : A wind filled with the smell of herbs, indicating a nearby garden or meadow. Example: “The herb-laden wind carried notes of lavender and rosemary, a comforting reminder of home.”
• Citrusy : A wind carrying the zesty aroma of citrus fruits. Example: “A citrusy wind drifted from the orange groves, filling the afternoon with a tangy sweetness.”
• Decaying : A wind that carries the smell of decay, indicating rot or death. Example: “The decaying wind held the grim scent of the battlefield, a chilling testament to the day’s losses.”
• Spicy : A wind filled with the scent of spices, indicating a nearby marketplace or kitchen. Example: “The spicy wind was thick with the promise of delicious meals, making her stomach growl in anticipation.”

Describing Wind by Its Feeling

Describing the wind by its physical sensation on a character’s skin can help immerse the reader in the scene.

• Stinging : A wind that is harsh and biting. Example: “The stinging wind battered his face, each gust like a slap of cold, wet canvas.”
• Tickling : A light wind that playfully brushes against the skin. Example: “The tickling wind teased her bare arms, leaving goosebumps in its wake.”
• Caressing : A gentle wind that softly touches the skin. Example: “The caressing wind was a tender lover, its soft touch bringing comfort to her weary body.”
• Slapping : A strong, abrupt wind. Example: “The slapping wind caught her off guard, its sudden force nearly knocking her off her feet.”
• Grazing : A gentle wind barely noticeable on the skin. Example: “The grazing wind was a soft sigh against her cheek, a barely-there touch that hinted at the storm’s retreat.”
• Biting : A cold, harsh wind that feels as though it’s biting into the skin. Example: “The biting wind gnawed at his fingertips, the relentless cold seeping through his gloves.”
• Scratching : A wind carrying sand or tiny debris that feels abrasive on the skin. Example: “The scratching wind was a desert beast, its sandy claws scraping against his exposed skin.”
• Soothing : A wind that brings relief or comfort. Example: “The soothing wind was a welcome respite from the stifling heat, its gentle caress cooling her sunburnt skin.”
• Clammy : A wind that is damp and cold. Example: “The clammy wind clung to her clothes, the damp chill seeping into her bones.”
• Prickling : A wind that makes the skin tingle, often due to cold or static. Example: “The prickling wind was a ghost’s touch, its chilling caress raising goosebumps on her skin.”

Here is a video on how to describe a windy day:

How Do You Personify Wind?

Personification is a powerful literary device that gives human characteristics to non-human entities.

When it comes to the wind, personification can be an excellent tool to create vivid imagery, build atmosphere, and engage readers on a deeper level.

Consider these techniques to personify the wind:

• Whispering : Giving the wind the ability to whisper can make it seem secretive or intimate. Example: “The wind whispered through the treetops, carrying secrets from one part of the forest to another.”
• Laughing : A laughing wind can express joy, freedom, or mischief. Example: “The wind laughed in the open fields, playfully rustling the wildflowers as it passed.”
• Singing : When the wind sings, it creates a sense of harmony or melody. Example: “The wind sang a lullaby, its soothing hum gently lulling the world to sleep.”
• Mourning : A mourning wind carries an impression of sadness or loss. Example: “The wind mourned through the empty streets, a sorrowful echo of the town’s former life.”
• Dancing : A dancing wind implies movement, celebration, or unpredictability. Example: “The wind danced through the autumn leaves, twirling them in a whirl of gold and red.”
• Roaring : A roaring wind can depict anger, might, or wildness. Example: “The wind roared across the desolate plains, venting its fury on the barren landscape.”
• Caressing : If the wind is caressing something, it gives a sense of gentleness or affection. Example: “The wind caressed the waves, leaving a trail of shimmering ripples in its wake.”
• Teasing : A teasing wind suggests playfulness and lightness. Example: “The wind teased her hair, tossing it this way and that in a playful game.”
• Sighing : A sighing wind can convey disappointment, relief, or resignation. Example: “The wind sighed through the abandoned corridors, echoing the despair left behind.”
• Chasing : A chasing wind implies speed, pursuit, or play. Example: “The wind chased the fallen leaves, their rustling flight a merry chase across the park.”

Final Thoughts: How to Describe the Wind in Writing

When you describe wind in your story, try to link your description to the plot, theme, characters, and specific scene.

Everything should tie into the same knotted storyline.

Here are some tools that I think will help you level up your writing skills:

Related posts:

• How To Describe a House in Writing (21 Tips for Beginners)
• 400+ Words to Describe a Flower Garden: Best Writers Guide
• How to Describe a Sunset in Writing: 100 Best Words & Phrases
• How to Describe a Ghost in Writing (Tips, Words, Examples)

31 Ways to Better Describe the Wind in Your Writing

By: Author Hiuyan Lam

Posted on Last updated: October 20, 2023

Categories Vocabulary Boosters

As a writer, you’ll have to find the most unique and effective words to describe every emotion, sight and general experience you are trying to convey to your readers. Sometimes, you’ll even need words to describe wind to refer to certain characteristics such as temperature, force and sound.

In other instances, the words to describe wind can be used in a way to describe how it feels on a character’s skin or how other people react to the wind. We are sure you are good at what you do, but a good writer is always looking for ways to improve his/her craft.

Here are 31 examples of words to describe wind that can better express yourself to your audience:

What is the wind like in your writing?

  Before we get to the words to describe wind, let us first establish what the wind is like in your writing. What we mean by that is what is the force of the wind?   Wind is always moving air, but it can be gentle, such as a light breeze, or violent, as in a hurricane or tornado. The first thing you should do is establish the force of the wind.   The force of the wind is measured in knots on the ​​ Beaufort Wind Scale and is further described by the effect it has on the surroundings. The most common terms include:  

You May Also Like:

35 Words to Describe a Forest Well in a Novel

    Tornadoes are not included on this scale, but it is understood that they are characterized by violent wind speeds. Tornadoes are instead measured on the Fujita Tornado Scale.   This scale begins with an intensity of F0 called a Gale Tornado. A gale tornado measures 35-62 knots and causes minimal damage, inclusive of damage to signboards, shallow-rooted trees, TV antennas, chimneys and windows.   At the end of the scale is F6, otherwise called the Inconceivable Tornado . These winds are extremely unlikely as they range between 277-329 knots, and would level houses, remove houses from foundations, overturn and throw automobiles including trains, throw steel and concrete missiles, and in general cause catastrophic damage.   This would typically be used in fictional pieces if you want to describe an apocalyptic event. Feel free to browse the rest of the Fujita Tornado Scale for more details.   You may have also heard of a wind gust. This describes a sudden, brief increase in wind speed. This can be especially dangerous due to their unpredictable nature and strength.

How to describe wind

  After analyzing that list, you should be able to find which scientific word matches what you have in mind. Now, you need some other descriptive words to describe wind to supplement it and really drive home what you’re trying to convey.   Let’s start with these 15 words to describe wind:  

Words to describe wind by temperature

  Temperature describes how hot or cold something is. Here are some descriptive words to describe wind based on temperature:  

  For example: “Eric wiped the sweat from his brow and returned his glasses to his face, wishing he had remembered to pack his balaclava to brave the dry winds in the hot desert.”

Words to describe wind by force

  Force describes the intensity or strength of the wind. Here are some words to describe wind based on force:  

20 Examples of Words to Describe a Laughter in Different Scenarios

Words to describe wind by sound

  When there is a strong enough wind, you will hear it. Here are some words to describe wind and what it sounds like to you or the characters:  

Examples of sensory descriptions to describe the winds

  Now, let’s describe the wind from another angle. Let’s use words to describe wind based on our senses, or how people react to it.   Here are 16 examples:  

By the feeling on your skin

  Wind doesn’t always feel the same when it touches your skin. Think about it, does the hot air feel the same as a cool breeze?   Not at all. These are some words to describe wind and how it appeals to the sense of touch:  

25 of the Best Words to Describe a Bad and Toxic Relationship

How to describe the wind by how people react to it

  When the wind contacts our skin, it can evoke different feelings and reactions. Here are some words to describe wind based on how people react to it/feel:  

  There are many more words to describe wind that you’ve probably never even thought of using before. You just have to be more creative, especially when writing.   Which words to describe wind are you going to use first and have you thought of any yourself?  

Search for creative inspiration

19,898 quotes, descriptions and writing prompts, 4,964 themes

Wind - quotes and descriptions to inspire creative writing

• a hurricane
• air quality
• autumn breeze
• ocean breeze
• Power outage
• renewable energy
• snow squall
• winters day
• wintry wind
• writing a story

The wind came as the fluid braille of the gods, as if the pulse within, the pattern of the raindrops carried, were a code.

There came a chaotic tidal wind, rushing in and out, an exfoliating wind that brought the cheeks to higher glow.

A dalliance of wind gusted warmly, as if it played the games of dreamy childhood summers.

Wind - eddied, swirled and ambient - lifts my hair into a dance. As I watch the strands at their confluence of tether and vortex, a sense of calmness comes.

Sailboat clouds make good time over an ocean-blue sky, the wind their companion and cheerleader.

Wind waves the tree branches as if in a raucous ballgame celebration.

Let the wind blow and sing its songs to stir the emotions, let it bring the sweet memories of times gone and hopes for a good future ahead. Let the wind remind us that we are here in this present moment, in the gift of living, and call us to adore those whom are close and give their days to us. Let the wind rustle in the trees and sway the grassy wands, moving the fur of a mouse and the hair of a king all the same. Let the wind come as a wall, only to open up and allow us passage through, curling around us as if it were a soft quilt all along. Let the wind speak of adventures and rouse the noble heart into the ways of the hero whom is strong for others and willing to take on the unsurety that comes with helping others. For the wind is all this, confident and flexible, changeable and free.

With the rain came the doors that banged, the wind that wanted nothing more than to announce its arrival, to say, "I'm here." And so it went on, the grass outside flattening in waves that reflected the light and the surface of the river covered in waves as if it were in open water.

The wind blew through the house with a powerful passion, scattering old documents as if they were the leaves of fall and banging the doors as if they were its chaotic drum beat - the marching band of one without fingers or hands.

The wind greets concrete and skin just the same, yet I am blessed to feel it. Its giddy currents flow through woodland canopies, unaware of how its song soothes those who can hear. I have always thought of the wind as so free, chaotic even, yet it too has its path, even if there are infinite possible destinations. It is air with passion, a drive that powers onwards, every direction an option.

I grow strong against this wind; muscles working all the more. It is the freshness over my skin, that which makes a fine flag of my tousled hair. In the trees it is a gusting chorus, a song so confidently sung. There are times I feel it within, that push and swirl, that stirring to show what is solidly there. I'm okay with it; I am. For the calmness of sweet days ahead will be such plain sailing, as easy as summer daydreams.

I have always loved the wind, for it comes to me so boldly, touches my skin. In coldness it rouses me to wakefulness, an alertness that lets me savour the moments in dryness and rain just the same. In soft breezes it is finer than silk, smoother than water. In the gales it sings through the trees, sending loose leaves on a dancing funfair ride, hypnotic, beautiful. In the summertime wind is cooling, allowing the warmth to gently enter muscle and bone while my skin feels so at ease with the world. Today is almost still and I find myself in joyful anticipation, absorbing the bright colours of the new foliage and buds, taking a moment to watch a dragonfly pass by, its back a brilliant electric blue.

Sign in or sign up for Descriptionar i

Sign up for descriptionar i, recover your descriptionar i password.

Keep track of your favorite writers on Descriptionari

We won't spam your account. Set your permissions during sign up or at any time afterward.

BRYN DONOVAN

tell your stories, love your life

• Writing Inspiration
• Semi-Charmed Life
• Reading & Research
• Works In Progress.

Master List for Describing Weather

A lot of writers struggle with describing settings. I’ve written before about how to describe settings and why it matters , but a few people have told me they’d like me to do some of my master lists for writers to help them out!

I have a weird love for creating lists like this, so I’m happy to do it. “How to describe weather” seemed like a good place to start. This way, you won’t get stuck trying to figure out how to describe nice weather, or thinking up ways to describe rain. Hopefully, this will make your writing go faster.

I always include simple as well as more creative ways to describe or write about weather. Sometimes, the simple word is the one you want! I included dryness and humidity in a few of the categories because it felt weird for them to get their own.

As always, this is not a comprehensive list, and I might add to it. My list will probably make you think of other possibilities, too. Bookmark or pin it for future writing reference!

HOT WEATHER 

blazing sunshine

glaring sun

baking in the sun

sun-drenched

scorching heat

extravagant heat

relentless sun

like a suana

dense tropical heat

radiating heat

blistering heat

oppressive heat

insufferable heat

suffocating heat

heat pressing down

searing sun

shimmering heat

like an oven

like a furnace

WARM / PLEASANT WEATHER

(“Pleasant” is a matter of opinion, of course.)

a beautiful day

a clear day

a temperate day

a golden day

a glorious day

heavenly weather

bright and sunny

a gorgeous spring day

a dazzling summer day

a brilliant autumn day

a vivid blue sky

a cloudless sky

fluffy white clouds

gentle sunshine

lazy sunshine

kind sunshine

filtered sunlight

dappled sunlight

welcome warmth

one of those rare, perfect days

the kind of day that made people forget to worry

the kind of day that lifted people’s moods

COOL WEATHER

refreshing air

stimulating cool air

invigorating cool air

bracing cool air

a nip in the air

a brisk day

a chilly day

weak sunshine

GRAY / OVERCAST WEATHER

(Most people don’t like gray days, so most of these descriptions are negative. I love them, so I had to add a few positive descriptions.)

colorless sky

a soft gray sky

a dove-gray sky

a gray day made for books and tea

steel-gray sky

granite sky

cement-gray sky

threatening clouds

foreboding clouds

COLD WEATHER

glacial air

bitter cold

brutal cold

bone-chilling cold

penetrating cold

devastating cold

numbing cold

punishing cold

dangerous cold

unforgiving cold

too cold to talk

so cold it burned one’s lungs

so cold it took one’s breath away

like a blast from a hair dryer

a gust of wind

insistent winds

heavy winds

strong winds

cutting wind

whipping winds

biting wind

wintry squall

violent gale

howling wind

shifting winds

restless wind

fresh breeze

soft breeze

balmy breeze

perfumed breeze

slight breeze

hint of a breeze

stirring breeze

wind rustling through the trees

fine drizzle

gray drizzle

pebbles of falling rain

spitting rain

stinging rain

steady rain

rain falling in torrents

cascades of rain

rain beating down

shower of rain

sheets of rain

hard-driving rain

pelting rain

lashing rain

slashing rain

THUNDER AND LIGHTNING

rumbling in the distance

a roll of distant thunder

crash of thunder

crackle of thunder

crack of thunder

clap of thunder

bang of thunder

booming thunder

rattled with thunder

earth-shaking thunder

tempestuous

a furious storm

flash of lightning

streaks of lightning

SNOW AND ICE

flurries of snow

dancing flakes

snowflakes floating down

snowflakes wafting down

swirling snow

falling thick and fast

big flakes falling like petals

blinding snowstorm

raging blizzard

sparkling expanses

blankets of white

caked with snow

boulders of snow

branches coated in ice

glittering ice

crystallized by frost

silvered with frost

clouds of mist

swirling mist

billowing fog

cloaked in mist

cocooned in fog

shrouded in fog

enveloped by fog

smothered by fog

made mysterious by fog

the fog rolled in

the fog was burning off

the fog was lifting

the fog was clearing

the fog was dissipating

I have many lists like this in my book  Master Lists for Writers: Thesauruses, Plots, Character Traits, Names, and More . Check it out!

Do you describe weather conditions in your writing? Do you have a favorite example of a weather description? Let me know in the comments! Thanks for reading, and happy writing!

[spacer height=”20px”]

Related Posts

Share this:

21 thoughts on “ master list for describing weather ”.

In my current WIP, weather is a crucial element. Not only is the woman in the romance a professional photographer — of weather — but it is a weather phenomenon, namely a tornado, that brings them together. So the description of the sky and the weather is quite detailed in places (specially as the supercell storm roars down on them).

On another angle, the phrase “gloriously sunny” is one that despite having that horrible “ly” adverb (shudder) is so evocative of the type of weather and the POV character’s attitude (and possibly even the type of weather that has gone before), that it’s powerful. It says a huge amount with only two words.

Hi Chris! Oh, wow…that’s a lot more detailed than most of us ever get in writing about the weather. It sounds like a great premise!

I will need this list as I begin edits next month on my WIP. I currently live in Hawaii, but am writing a story at Christmas time in Vermont. 🙂 Thank you!

Aw, nice! That’s some very different weather from what you’re used to. 🙂

It really is! And traveling to the climate I need isn’t ideal right now. So, off to the freezer I go! 🙂

Wow! This is fantastic. Thanks. You ARE a master at this.

• Pingback: Master List for Describing Weather – Written By Bryn Donovan – Writer's Treasure Chest

This is comprehensive! It’s bookmarked for future use. Thanks!

Thanks, Steve, I’m glad you liked it!

Amazing list that goes beyond the words that I struggle with – especially describing the rain-painted setting of Snowdonia.

Love your lists. You don’t have one for beaches by any chance? Would this, including the weather be another book by any chance??

Hi, Nicole! It’s funny you should ask. 🙂 I am going to release a second, more expanded version of MASTER LISTS FOR WRITERS . It’s going to have several setting descriptions in there (including a whole list for beaches!), and the weather list will be in there, too! I’m hoping to get it done before November of this year, but we’ll see. Thanks for asking!

That’s awesome and look forward to it’s release.

• Pingback: ? Writing Links Round Up 7/1-7/5 – B. Shaun Smith
• Pingback: How to Write a Novel: Resources - MultiTalented Writers
• Pingback: ? Writing Links Round Up 8/19-8/23 – B. Shaun Smith

I am in Chinan. I happened to enter this web-link and want to learn more about writing, I wonder if there are any descriptive passages. I can only find some words and expressions…

That was really useful. Thank you!

• Pingback: The Power of Vision in Writing | Writers In The Storm

This list is fabulous. Thank you for sharing it. I will be consulting it when incorporating weather elements into writing my next picture book.

• Pingback: How’s The Weather In Your Story? – Writer's Treasure Chest

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Discover more from BRYN DONOVAN

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

KathySteinemann.com: Free Resources for Writers

Word lists, cheat sheets, and sometimes irreverent reviews of writing rules. kathy steinemann is the author of the writer's lexicon series..

More Than 300 “Wind” Words: A Word List for Writers

Environmental Ambience Adds Depth to Writing

Do you take advantage of it?

The opening paragraph of Edward Bulwer-Lytton’s novel Paul Clifford reads in part:

“It was a dark and stormy night; the rain fell in torrents, except at occasional intervals, when it was checked by a violent gust of wind which swept up the streets … rattling along the house-tops, and fiercely agitating the scanty flame of the lamps that struggled against the darkness.”

Lytton’s words provide an atmosphere unlike what you’d expect on a sunny day. The chapter progresses, painting a desolate word-picture of a man searching for something in the gloom. The weather infuses the opening with emotion: a premonition that unpleasant events are about to unfold.

Beware overplaying the weather card, though. Readers will lose interest, especially if you rely on words they don’t understand.

Consider This Passage

Danny wasn’t looking forward to the suspension of door-to-door delivery. He had been a mail carrier for almost forty years, and he enjoyed his job.

This passage is pure tell. Although you might want to write something similar for micro fiction, the paragraph reads like a laundry list.

Almost forty years as a mail carrier, and now the big dogs at the top of the food chain intended to suspend door-to-door delivery. No more sunny days with a gentle wind in Danny’s face , no more tantalizing aromas from the corner bakery wafting into his nostrils. Heck, he’d even miss the wet-dog smell on days when the wind drove rain into every crevice and crack.

The second paragraph dips into show, referring to management in a deprecatory fashion, and contrasting Danny’s pleasant days with the not-so-pleasant by inclusion of wind and how it affects him.

What About This One?

North, south, east, or west. Which way should she go? Cassandra crouched inside the garage until the drones were gone.

How does Cassandra know the drones are gone? Although the paragraph does provide some suspense, it could improve.

North, south, east, or west. Which way should she flee? Cassandra crouched inside the drafty garage, shivering in her scanty rags, waiting, listening. The wind wailed outside, almost drowning the whirr of the search drones. She waited until all she could hear was a gentle breeze coaxing snow through the crack beneath the door.

The words flee and search add detail. Now we know Cassandra isn’t playing a game with neighborhood kids. The wind wails when she’s in danger and turns into a gentle breeze after the peril disappears.

Examples You Can Grab as Story Prompts

Note how weather augments each of the following scenes and provides a backdrop that steers readers toward an emotional response.

The fangs of the wind ripped at Wendell’s cloak. He braced against the onslaught, shouldering into the storm with fierce determination. Nothing would dissuade him from the grim task awaiting him this evil night.

A few key words, fangs, ripped, onslaught, grim, and evil , show that something unpleasant is afoot.

Puffy clouds — cotton balls in a blue sky filled with hope and cheer — billowed in the wind. Roxanne banked her anti-grav unit left at Causeway H-40.

She cursed .

This scene starts optimistic with words such as puffy, cotton balls, blue sky, hope , and cheer . We see a happy Roxanne.

Then she curses. Why? Does she collide with another anti-grav? encounter a traffic jam? see someone she doesn’t expect or want to see? Could you precede her curse with a thunderclap? a gale that steers her off course? the sight of a twister in the distance?

A ruthless gale hammered at the cliffs and churned the sea into a narrow channel. One bedraggled sail peeked out through a valley between two mountainous waves.

The grizzled lighthouse keeper bowed his head in silent prayer.

This excerpt bestows personality on the wind with ruthless , and likewise on the sail with peeked . Can you see the churning sea and bedraggled sail?

• Temperature Words
• Onomatopoeic Sound Words
• Other Ways to Say “Sigh”
• Ways to Say “Noisy” or “Loud”
• Ways to Say “Cried”
• Water Words

Adjectives to Describe Wind

A to C aggressive, alee, aweather, angry , Arctic, arid, biting, bitter, bleak, blustery, bracing, breezy, brisk, brutal, brutish, carefree, ceaseless, chilly, churning, constant, continual, cruel, cutting

D to G damp, darting, driving, dry, dusty, east, easterly, energizing, evil, exhilarating, fair, feeble, feral, ferocious, fierce, foul, freezing, gale-force, gentle, gusty

H to L harsh, high-pitched, hissing, hostile, hot, howling, icy, inexorable, inhospitable, inhumane, intense, intermittent, invigorating, keen, keening, light

M to O merciless, mighty, moaning, moist, murmuring, nasty, never-ending, nippy, north, northerly, offshore

P to R parching, penetrating, perpetual, persistent, piercing, potent, powerful, probing, quiet, raging, raw, refreshing, relentless, remorseless, robust, roiling, ruthless

S sandy, savage, scorching, severe, sharp, shrill, sighing, slight, smoggy, smoky, soft, sooty, south, southerly, spirited, squally, steady, stiff, stimulating, stinging, sudden

T to Z turbulent, unexpected, unrelenting, untamed, vicious, vigorous, violent, wailing, weeping, west, westerly, wet, whipping, whispering, whistling, wild, wintry, zesty

Verbs and Phrasal Verbs That Show Wind Movement and Activity

A to C assail, assault, attack, batter, beat (against), billow, bite (into), blast, blow, bluster, breathe, burst (through), carry, channel, chill, churn, creep

D to H drift, drive (into, through), drone, eddy, erode, fan, flagellate, flay, fling, float, flog, flow, force, freeze, gasp, glide, grab, gust, hammer, harangue, huff, hurl

I to R impel, judder, keen, lament, lash, melt, moan, murmur, overcome, pound, propel, puff, pummel, punish, push (into, through), rage, rattle, roar, rush, rustle

S to V scream, sculpt, seethe, seize, shake, shoot, sigh, sough, spin, squall, sting, stream, surge, sweep, swirl, swish, swoosh, take , thaw, thrash, thrust, vibrate

W to Y waft (around, through), wail, wander, warm, wheeze, whine, whip, whirl, whisk, whisper, whoosh, worm, yowl

Nouns That Can Refer to, Replace, or Be Affected by Wind

B to D bearing, Beaufort scale, blast, blizzard, bora, breeze, bubbles, burst, cape, chinook, cloudburst, current, curtains, cyclone, dandelion fluff, deluge, direction, downpour, draft, dust

E to H energy, erosion, fan, fireflies, flag, flow, flurry, flying carpet, force, Frisbee, gale, generation, generator, glider, gnats, grit, gust, hail, hailstorm, hair , headwind, hot-air balloon, hurricane

K to R kite, leaves, might, mistral, movement, onslaught, paper airplane, parachute, pinwheel, pollen, power, propeller, protection, rain, resistance, rotor, rush

S and T sail, sailboat, shawl, shear, shelter, shower, simoom, sirocco, sleet, smog, smoke, snowstorm, speed, storm, strength, tailwind, tempest, thunderstorm, tornado, trade wind, turbine, twister, typhoon

V to Z velocity, vigor, weather balloon, weather vane, whirlwind, wind tunnel, wind-chill factor, windmill, windstorm, windsurfing, zephyr

Discover more from KathySteinemann.com: Free Resources for Writers

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Type your email…

Please don't be shy. Leave a reply. Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of new posts by email.

6 thoughts on “ More Than 300 “Wind” Words: A Word List for Writers ”

Kathy, Love the information you share. I plan to tell my writer’s group about you and your blog in our “favorite web site” session.

Thanks, Linda.

Do you have any word pests you’d like me to research?

Thank you. This was very helpful and informative.

Thanks, Charlene. I hope to have the book ready to publish soon. It contains expanded versions of these lists.

Bookmarking for a future revision. Thank you!

Thanks, David. Next week: Em Dash Abuse—It Ain’t Pretty.

• How to Cite
• Language & Lit
• Rhyme & Rhythm
• The Rewrite
• Search Glass

How to Describe a Storm in Writing

Whether they're ruthless tornadoes or torrential hurricanes, storms can add atmosphere and conflict to a personal narrative or story. The use of vivid description is a crucial tool for bringing these weather phenomena to life on paper and moving your plot forward. Using figurative language and active verbs can help you place readers right in the middle of the rain, wind and thunder.

Mighty Metaphors and Storm Similes

A simile is a type of description that makes an explicit comparison between two things using the words "like" or "as." A metaphor, by contrast, is a direct comparison that does not use these words. You can use these devices to create surprising descriptions of your storm. If you're describing a hailstorm, for example, you might use a simile to write, "The hailstones clattered to the ground like marbles spilled from a box." To use a metaphor, you might write, "An avalanche of hailstones fell from the sky."

The Sound of Storms

In real life, the sounds of nature are often key indicators of approaching storms. You can bring these sound effects to your descriptions by using onomatopoeia, a device where words mimic the sounds of their meaning. For example, if a thunderstorm figures prominently in your story, the thunder could "rumble" or "boom," rain could "patter" against the windows" and wind could "rush" across a field. Try making a list of all the sounds the storm in your narrative might involve and brainstorm onomatopoeic words to describe them.

The Character of Storms

If a storm is central to your story's conflict, you might consider having the weather literally take on a life of its own. Personification occurs when a writer gives human characteristics, such as actions and emotions, to an inanimate object. If your characters are trapped in open water during a hurricane, you might write, "The angry waves smacked against the side of the boat." Although water can't feel anger, the description of the waves as "angry" adds emotional texture and characterization to the storm.

Vivid Verbs

Because bad weather can often get out of control, describing a storm is not the time to skimp on verb usage. Weak verbs, such as "was" or "were," drain your descriptions of energy rather than infuse them with detail. Using specific, active verbs for the storm's motion gives readers a more detailed image of the story's events. For example, the sentence, "The dark sky was lit up by lightning," is a good start, but revising it to include an active verb can make the description even more forceful: "Lightning flashed across the sky."

• Western Michigan University: Basics of Metaphor and Simile
• Read Write Think: Onomatopoeia
• Universal Design for Learning: Literary Devices: Personification
• Writing Commons: Avoid Unnecessary "To Be" Verbs"

Kori Morgan holds a Bachelor of Arts in professional writing and a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing and has been crafting online and print educational materials since 2006. She taught creative writing and composition at West Virginia University and the University of Akron and her fiction, poetry and essays have appeared in numerous literary journals.

Creative Biz

Describe Thunder in Creative Writing: A Comprehensive Guide

How to describe thunder in creative writing – Prepare to unleash the thunder’s roar in your writing! Discover the secrets of crafting thunderous descriptions that will leave readers trembling with awe. Explore a symphony of techniques to capture the thunder’s might, from sensory overload to emotive language and cultural perspectives.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll navigate the elements of thunder description, empowering you to evoke the storm’s fury and leave an unforgettable mark on your readers.

Sensory Descriptions

To effectively convey the impact of thunder in creative writing, it is crucial to engage the reader’s senses and evoke an emotional response. This can be achieved through vivid descriptions of the sound’s loudness, reverberations, and emotional resonance.

Loudness and Intensity

• Describe the thunder as “earsplitting,” “deafening,” or “shattering,” emphasizing its overwhelming volume.
• Use words like “roar,” “boom,” or “crack” to convey the specific character of the sound.
• Compare the thunder to other loud natural phenomena, such as “a crashing wave” or “an erupting volcano.”

Reverberations and Vibrations

• Convey the physical impact of the thunder by describing the “tremors” or “vibrations” it sends through the ground and air.
• Use words like “reverberate,” “echo,” or “resonate” to capture the lingering effects of the sound.
• Describe the “shockwaves” or “pressure waves” that radiate outward from the source of the thunder.

Emotional Impact

• Explore the emotional impact of the thunder, such as fear, awe, or even exhilaration.
• Use words like “terrifying,” “majestic,” or “invigorating” to convey the subjective experience of the sound.
• Describe the thunder as a “harbinger of storms” or a “reminder of nature’s power.”

Metaphorical Comparisons

Thunder is a powerful force of nature, and writers can use metaphorical comparisons to capture its awe-inspiring presence. By comparing thunder to other natural phenomena, mythological creatures, or human qualities, writers can evoke a range of emotions and create a vivid impression of this celestial spectacle.

Explosions and Roars

Thunder can be likened to an explosion, with its sudden and deafening impact. Writers can describe the thunder as “exploding” or “detonating,” creating an image of immense force and destruction. Similarly, thunder can be compared to the roar of a lion or a bear, conveying its animalistic power and primal energy.

Mythological Creatures

Thunder has often been associated with mythological creatures, such as giants or gods. Writers can draw parallels between thunder and these legendary beings, suggesting that the thunder is the voice of an angry god or the footsteps of a towering giant.

Such comparisons add a sense of grandeur and mythology to the description of thunder.

Awe and Terror

Thunder can evoke a range of emotions, from awe to terror. Writers can use metaphors to convey these emotions, describing the thunder as “majestic” or “terrifying.” They can also use personification to give the thunder human-like qualities, such as anger or wrath, intensifying its emotional impact.

Personification

When we personify thunder, we give it human-like qualities, such as anger, joy, or sorrow. We describe it as a force of nature that has a will or purpose. By creating a dialogue or narrative involving the thunder, we can bring it to life and make it a more engaging and memorable part of our writing.

Giving Thunder Human-like Qualities

• Describe the thunder as having a booming voice that shakes the ground.
• Give the thunder a personality, such as being angry, joyful, or sorrowful.
• Use figurative language to compare the thunder to a human emotion, such as “the thunder roared with anger” or “the thunder wept with sorrow.”

Describing Thunder as a Force of Nature with a Will or Purpose

• Describe the thunder as a force of nature that has a purpose, such as to punish the wicked or to protect the innocent.
• Give the thunder a sense of agency, such as by describing it as “striking down” or “protecting” something.
• Use figurative language to compare the thunder to a force of nature, such as “the thunder was like a bolt of lightning” or “the thunder was like a tidal wave.”

Creating a Dialogue or Narrative Involving the Thunder

• Have the thunder speak to a character in the story.
• Describe the thunder as interacting with the environment, such as by shaking the ground or causing trees to sway.
• Use the thunder to create a sense of atmosphere or mood, such as by creating a sense of fear or awe.

Thunder, with its deafening roar and imposing presence, has long been associated with profound symbolism in literature. It embodies raw power, authority, and the divine.

Thunder can foreshadow impending events or mirror the emotional turmoil of characters. Its ominous rumble may herald an approaching storm, a looming danger, or a significant turning point in the narrative.

Moreover, thunder can reflect the inner turmoil of characters, amplifying their anger, fear, or anticipation. Its deafening presence can mirror the chaos and turmoil within their souls.

To enhance the depth of your writing, explore the symbolic meanings associated with thunder:

• Power and Authority: Thunder’s deafening roar symbolizes the raw power of nature, authority figures, or divine intervention.
• Divine Intervention: In many cultures, thunder is associated with the wrath or favor of gods, representing divine intervention or judgment.
• Chaos and Disruption: Thunder’s sudden and unpredictable nature can symbolize chaos, disruption, or the shattering of established order.
• Emotional Intensity: The emotional impact of thunder can mirror the intensity of emotions experienced by characters, such as anger, fear, or anticipation.

Table of Thunder Symbols:

Onomatopoeia

Incorporating onomatopoeic words into your writing can effectively mimic the sound of thunder, enhancing the sensory experience for your readers. Words like “boom,” “crash,” or “rumble” evoke an immediate and visceral response, transporting the reader into the heart of the storm.

Experimentation with Onomatopoeia

Experiment with different combinations of onomatopoeic words to convey the nuances of the thunder. For instance, a sudden and explosive clap could be described as a “thunderous boom,” while a prolonged and rumbling sound might be depicted as a “distant rumble.” By carefully selecting and arranging these words, you can create a vivid and dynamic portrayal of the thunder’s presence.

Descriptive Language

To effectively describe thunder in creative writing, employ vivid adjectives and adverbs to craft a detailed sensory picture. Describe its color, shape, and movement, appealing to multiple senses for a multisensory experience. Utilize similes and metaphors to enhance the imagery and make the description more impactful.

Color, Shape, and Movement

• Color: Describe the thunder’s color as “slate gray,” “inky black,” or “fiery orange” depending on the context.
• Shape: Depict the thunder as “jagged bolts,” “exploding orbs,” or “serpentine streaks” to convey its dynamic nature.
• Movement: Describe the thunder as “crashing,” “rolling,” or “pealing” to capture its varied movements through the sky.

Rhythm and Cadence

Rhythm and cadence play a crucial role in capturing the intensity and duration of thunder in creative writing. By varying the rhythm and cadence of your writing, you can convey the suddenness of a thunderclap, the sustained roar of thunder, and the continuous movement and energy associated with the phenomenon.

Short, Staccato Sentences

Short, staccato sentences can effectively convey the suddenness and impact of a thunderclap. These sentences are characterized by their brevity and sharp, abrupt rhythm. For example:

• “A sharp crack split the sky.”
• “The thunder boomed, a sudden explosion.”

Long, Rolling Sentences

Long, rolling sentences can capture the sustained roar of thunder. These sentences are characterized by their length and smooth, flowing rhythm. For example:

• “The thunder roared like a beast, its rumble reverberating through the air.”
• “The thunder crashed and rolled, a relentless symphony of sound.”

Enjambment is a technique where a sentence continues onto the next line without a pause. This technique can create a sense of continuous movement and energy, which is particularly effective in describing the relentless nature of thunder. For example:

• “The thunder crashed, / Rolling through the heavens, / A relentless symphony.”
• “The thunder roared, / Its echoes chasing each other / Across the vast expanse.”

Pauses and Caesurae

Pauses and caesurae are techniques that involve deliberately breaking up the flow of your writing. Pauses can be indicated by commas, dashes, or line breaks, while caesurae are more pronounced pauses that occur within a line of poetry. These techniques can be used to emphasize key moments or create tension.

For example:

• “The thunder paused, / A moment of silence, / Then the roar resumed with even greater force.”
• “The thunder crashed— / A deafening explosion / That shook the earth.”

By utilizing these techniques, you can effectively convey the rhythm and cadence of thunder in your creative writing, adding depth and authenticity to your descriptions.

Contrast and Comparison

Contrast and comparison are powerful techniques that can be used to create a vivid and memorable description of thunder. By contrasting the sound of thunder with other sounds in the environment, you can create a sense of perspective and emphasis.

You can also compare different types of thunder, such as a distant rumble versus a deafening clap, to highlight their unique qualities.

Contrasting Thunder with Other Sounds

• Thunder can be contrasted with the gentle patter of rain, the howling of the wind, or the chirping of birds.
• By comparing the loud, sudden sound of thunder to these more subtle sounds, you can create a sense of contrast that makes the thunder seem even more powerful and awe-inspiring.

Comparing Different Types of Thunder

• Not all thunder is created equal. Some thunderclaps are distant rumbles that can be heard for miles, while others are deafening explosions that can shake the ground beneath your feet.
• By comparing different types of thunder, you can create a sense of perspective and emphasis. For example, you could describe the distant rumble of thunder as a gentle warning, while the deafening clap of thunder could be described as a powerful and destructive force.

Sensory Overload

Being caught in a thunderstorm is an overwhelming sensory experience. The thunderclaps are deafening, the lightning flashes are blinding, and the rain pours down in sheets. It can be difficult to orient oneself in such a chaotic environment.

The disorienting effects of a thunderstorm can be both frightening and exhilarating. The sudden changes in light and sound can make it difficult to see and hear, and the torrential rain can make it difficult to breathe. However, there is also a sense of awe and wonder that comes from witnessing the sheer power of nature.

The Power of Nature

Thunderstorms are a reminder of the power of nature. They can be destructive, but they can also be beautiful. The thunderclaps are a testament to the strength of the storm, and the lightning flashes are a reminder of the beauty of nature.

The rain is a symbol of life and renewal.

Emotive Language

When describing thunder, emotive language can powerfully convey the emotional impact it evokes. Whether it’s fear, excitement, or awe, thunder’s emotional resonance can be captured through descriptive language.

Metaphors and Similes

Use metaphors and similes to create vivid and impactful descriptions. For instance, describe thunder as a “celestial drumbeat,” evoking a sense of rhythm and power, or compare its sound to “a thousand cannons firing simultaneously,” conveying its deafening intensity.

Cultural and Historical Perspectives

Thunder, a phenomenon both awe-inspiring and enigmatic, has held a profound significance across cultures and throughout history. From ancient myths and legends to contemporary art and literature, thunder has served as a symbol of power, fear, and even divinity.

Myths and Legends

In many ancient cultures, thunder was attributed to the wrath of a powerful deity. For instance, in Greek mythology, Zeus hurled thunderbolts as a weapon, while in Norse mythology, Thor wielded the mighty hammer Mjölnir, which caused thunder with each strike.

Literature and Art

Throughout history, thunder has been a recurring theme in literature and art. In Shakespeare’s plays, thunder often signifies impending doom or a shift in fortune. In Romantic poetry, such as William Blake’s “Auguries of Innocence,” thunder is associated with both awe and terror.

In music, thunder has inspired countless compositions. From the dramatic overture of Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 6” to the haunting soundscapes of Pink Floyd’s “Echoes,” thunder has provided a powerful and evocative element for musicians of all eras.

Scientific Explanation

Thunder is a loud crashing sound that occurs during a thunderstorm. It is caused by the rapid heating and expansion of air around a lightning strike.

Lightning and Thunder

When lightning strikes the ground, it creates a channel of extremely hot air. This hot air expands rapidly, creating a shock wave that travels through the air at supersonic speeds. This shock wave is what we hear as thunder.

Air Pressure and Sound Waves

The rapid expansion of air around the lightning strike creates a sudden change in air pressure. This change in pressure creates sound waves that travel through the air. The sound waves are what we hear as thunder.

Table: Key Steps in Thunder Creation, How to describe thunder in creative writing

| Step | Description ||—|—|| Lightning strike | Lightning strikes the ground, creating a channel of hot air. || Rapid air expansion | The hot air expands rapidly, creating a shock wave. || Shock wave | The shock wave travels through the air at supersonic speeds.

|| Change in air pressure | The shock wave creates a sudden change in air pressure. || Sound waves | The change in air pressure creates sound waves that travel through the air. |

Example: Thunderclap

A thunderclap is a loud, sudden burst of thunder. It is caused by a particularly strong lightning strike. The sound waves from a thunderclap can travel for many miles.The physics behind a thunderclap is the same as the physics behind any other type of thunder.

However, the strength of the lightning strike and the proximity of the observer to the strike can make a thunderclap particularly loud.

Table of Thunder Descriptions

The following table categorizes different types of thunder descriptions based on their literary devices:

Timeline of Thunder Events

Thunderstorms are a powerful display of nature’s force, characterized by intense electrical activity, heavy rainfall, and strong winds. Understanding the sequence of events during a thunderstorm can help us appreciate the magnitude and dynamics of this natural phenomenon.

Lightning Strike

The initial event in a thunderstorm is a lightning strike, a sudden and massive electrical discharge between clouds, between a cloud and the ground, or between the ground and a cloud. The lightning strike is the most dangerous aspect of a thunderstorm, as it carries an enormous amount of electrical energy that can cause severe injuries or even death.

Thunderclap

The thunderclap, a loud and sudden explosive sound, occurs as a result of the rapid expansion of air around the lightning channel. The heated air expands outward at supersonic speeds, creating a shock wave that travels through the atmosphere. The time interval between the lightning strike and the thunderclap depends on the distance from the observer to the lightning strike.

The farther the observer is from the strike, the longer it takes for the sound to reach them. Typically, the thunderclap is heard within 1-10 seconds after the lightning strike.

After the lightning strike and thunderclap, rain typically begins to fall. The rain is caused by the condensation of water vapor in the clouds. As the air in the clouds cools, the water vapor condenses into tiny water droplets that become too heavy to stay suspended in the air and fall as rain.

The time interval between the thunderclap and the onset of rain can vary from 1-5 minutes, depending on the size and intensity of the thunderstorm.

Strong winds are often associated with thunderstorms. These winds are caused by the movement of air masses within the thunderstorm. The rising and falling air currents create areas of high and low pressure, which in turn generate winds. The wind speeds in a thunderstorm can vary greatly, from a gentle breeze to damaging gusts.

The time interval between the onset of rain and the arrival of strong winds can vary from 5-15 minutes, depending on the severity of the thunderstorm.By understanding the timeline of events during a thunderstorm, we can better appreciate the dynamics of this powerful weather phenomenon and take appropriate precautions to stay safe during a thunderstorm.

– Thunder Symbolism in Poetry

Thunder has captivated poets throughout history, serving as a potent symbol of both awe and terror.

Symbol of Power and Wrath

Thunder is often associated with the wrath of God or other divine forces, representing their power and authority. For example, in William Blake’s “Auguries of Innocence,” thunder accompanies the voice of God, conveying his anger and judgment:

“The roaring of lions, the howling of wolves,The raging of the stormy sea,And the thunder of tempests, are all his voice.”

Symbol of Change and Transformation

Thunder can also symbolize change and transformation. In T.S. Eliot’s “The Waste Land,” thunder marks a moment of epiphany and renewal:

“I heard the thunder afar off and I was filled with joy.”

Symbol of Nature’s Indifference

In some poems, thunder represents the indifference of nature to human suffering. In Emily Dickinson’s “Because I could not stop for Death,” thunder accompanies the carriage ride to the speaker’s grave, emphasizing the inevitability and impersonality of death:

“We passed the School, where Children stroveAt Recess in the Ring We passed the Fields of Gazing GrainWe passed the Setting SunOr rather He passed Us The Dews drew quivering and chillFor only Gossamer, my GownMy Tippet only Tulle.”

FAQ Section: How To Describe Thunder In Creative Writing

How do I convey the intensity of thunder?

Describe the deafening roar that shakes the earth, the reverberations that ripple through the air, and the echoes that linger long after the thunderclap.

What metaphorical comparisons can I use to describe thunder?

Compare thunder to a roaring lion, a crashing giant, or a celestial symphony, evoking a sense of awe, fear, or wonder.

How can I use onomatopoeia to capture the sound of thunder?

Incorporate words like “boom,” “crash,” and “rumble” to mimic the thunder’s thunderous impact, creating a vivid sensory experience for readers.

What cultural perspectives on thunder can I explore?

Discuss the role of thunder in mythology, folklore, and different cultures, examining its association with power, divine intervention, or natural phenomena.

How do I use rhythm and cadence to enhance my thunder description?

Vary sentence length and structure to reflect the thunder’s intensity, using short, staccato sentences for sudden claps and longer, rolling sentences for sustained roars.

The Top 10 Descriptive Paragraphs About The Wind

Written by Dan

Last updated March 5, 2024

Descriptive writing is an art form, and bringing the senses to life on paper can be tricky. Let’s make things easier for all of you teachers needing some descriptive paragraph examples with this post on ‘The Top 10 Descriptive Paragraphs About The Wind’.

Here we will provide some tips that help create effective and powerful paragraphs that your students can use!

Most importantly, we’ll explore tangible ways to bring alive the concept of wind with vivid descriptions. Don’t just settle for ‘it was windy’ – follow along as we push away boring writing and discover how to take readers into the whistling breeze.

Related : For more, check out our article on  Descriptive Paragraphs About The Queen  here.

Table of Contents

1. The Whispers of the Wind

Have you ever paused in your day, just for a moment, to truly listen to the wind? It’s more than just a simple force of nature. It’s an ageless storyteller, reminiscent of a wandering bard from the annals of medieval times. Can you hear it? It murmurs tales to those who are willing to lend an ear, spinning rich yarns of ancient lore and far-off lands, stories that have traveled across time and space.

As the wind weaves its way through the emerald leaves of towering trees, it creates a symphony of sound that could rival even the most prestigious orchestra. Each swoosh, each rustle, serves as a note played by unseen musicians, a melody that only Mother Nature herself could compose.

Imagine, if you will, that the air around us transforms into a grand concert hall, filled with the fragrance of fresh earth and blossoming flowers. This scent, this perfume, is not something you’d find bottled on a store shelf. No, it’s a unique fragrance crafted by the wind itself, a testament to its power and influence.

The wind’s olfactory symphony is a sensory experience, a fragrant reminder of the world around us. Every gust carries the smell of pine from remote forests, the salty tang of distant oceans, the sweet aroma of wildflowers from a meadow you’ve never seen. These scents tell a story, painting a vivid picture of landscapes far beyond our immediate surroundings.

This invisible and untouchable aspect of our environment, the wind, carries with it the untold stories of our world. It’s a living history book, always turning its pages for those keen enough to stop and listen. So next time the wind brushes against your skin, take a moment to listen to its tales. You may be surprised by what you learn.

This table offers a range of literary devices that can be used to enhance descriptive writing about the wind, each with a purpose and an example that can be adapted for your article.

2. The Wind’s Mighty Roar

Then there are moments when the wind takes on a different character, becoming as fierce and untamed as a lion in the wild. It sweeps across the open plains with an audacity that is awe-inspiring, its invisible force sculpting the landscape in ways that no human hand could replicate. It howls and growls, its voice echoing through the valleys and mountains, carrying with it the raw power of nature. Each gust is like a thunderous applause in an amphitheater, a testament to the wind’s unbridled strength and the respect it commands.

When the wind roars, it’s like a lion in full regalia – powerful and proud. It takes no prisoners as it rips through the countryside, reclaiming what is rightfully its own. Buildings are mere obstacles in its path; trees bend and sway at its will, their branches reaching out to brush against the sky like feathery fingers. The grasses whisper to each other, offering a knowing nod in the wind’s direction.

The wind may be invisible, but its presence is often felt as it barreling through us with an intensity that cannot be ignored. In these moments, we are reminded of our insignificance in comparison to the sheer power of nature. The wind has no fear – only strength and determination. And as it passes, we are left in awe of its beauty and might.

3. The Gentle Caress of the Wind

Just as the wind can roar, it can also be as gentle as a mother’s caress. It brushes against our cheeks with a tenderness that is comforting, a soft and soothing presence that is both familiar and welcome. The wind whispers in our ears, its voice as light as a feather, bringing with it words of comfort and peace. It sings us a tender lullaby, its soft rhythm lulling us into a peaceful slumber, reminding us of the gentle side of nature and its nurturing spirit.

On tranquil days, the wind carries with it a special kind of magic. Every breath of air is like a fresh start – an opportunity to open our eyes and take in the beauty that surrounds us. It fills us with joy, lifting our spirits and propelling us forward into a new day of adventure. The wind is nature’s way of saying ‘come explore’, of beckoning us to find our own paths and create our own stories. It’s a reminder that the world is a beautiful place, a place just waiting to be discovered.

Let the wind guide you, and see where it takes you. Allow its gentle caress to transport you into new realms of possibility, and remember that nature is always with us, ready to offer solace and inspiration.

4. The Wind’s Invisible Dance

The wind is an artist, an invisible dancer that moves with a grace and fluidity that would put the most accomplished ballerina to shame. It twirls and spins around us in an intricate ballet of unseen movements, a performance that enchants and mesmerizes. Each gust is a pirouette, each breeze a grand jeté, a celebration of freedom and joy. This dance of the wind is a testament to the beauty of the natural world, a beauty that exists even when we can’t see it.

We must remember that the wind’s movements are greater than what we can see. It may not be apparent to us, but it is always at work behind the scenes, shaping and transforming the land with each passing breeze. The very air around us bears witness to its power – carrying pollen from distant fields, scattering seeds across faraway meadows, or propelling clouds along the horizon. The wind is a master of change, and its invisible dance shapes our world in ways that could never be discussed or predicted.

From gentle caresses to mighty roars, the wind is an ever-present force in our lives. Its touch can calm us and inspire us, reminding us of the beauty and power of nature. So next time you find yourself feeling lost or overwhelmed, take a moment to stop and listen. The wind will be there, telling its stories and inviting us on the journey of a lifetime.

Books That Discuss the Wind

This table includes a variety of books where the wind is an important motif or aspect of the setting, and can be used in your article to illustrate the diverse ways in which the wind has been incorporated into literary works.

5. The Wind’s Storytelling

Have you ever considered the history the wind carries? It’s a storyteller of epic proportions, spinning tales of distant lands, ancient civilizations, and forgotten times. It carries the voices of the past, echoes of history whispering through the ages. Each gust is a page turned in the book of time, a chapter read from the annals of history, a story told. The stories that the wind tells are as vast as the sky, as deep as the ocean, and as old as the earth itself, a constant reminder of our shared past and the lessons we can learn from it.

The wind is a force to be reckoned with, but it’s also a gentle companion. It whisks us away on its journey across the world, reminding us of our place in the grand scheme of things and inviting us to be part of something bigger than ourselves. When we listen closely, the wind brings us closer to nature – and by extension, closer to each other. So next time you hear the wind calling, stop and listen. Its stories are waiting to be heard.

Who knows where it will take you? Perhaps it will carry you away on a journey of a lifetime – an exploration of the breathtaking beauty and infinite possibilities that nature has to offer. Let the wind guide your way, and see what secrets and stories await.

6. The Wind’s Playful Nature

In its more whimsical moments, the wind can seem like a playful child, reveling in its freedom and the joy of movement. It chases after leaves in a never-ending game of tag among the trees, ruffling feathers and teasing our hair in a gentle game of hide and seek. The wind’s laughter is infectious, its joy and playfulness a reminder of the lighter side of life. It romps and frolics with the carefree spirit of a child, a spirit that we too can embrace if we allow ourselves to be carried away by the wind’s playful nature.

So when the wind blows, take a moment to step outside and let its playful spirit carry you away. Feel it around you, blowing through your hair and caressing your skin with its gentle breeze. Let yourself be swept up in its current, allowing yourself to float along on this wave of energy until you reach an unexpected shore filled with possibilities. The wind is an invitation to explore, a reminder that life is meant to be enjoyed – and who knows where it will take you?

Allow yourself to surrender to its power, and soon enough you’ll find yourself seeing the world from a different perspective. The wind’s playful nature reminds us of the joys of living in the present moment, free from worry and cares.

7. The Wind’s Enigmatic Presence

The wind, like a riddle waiting to be solved, is an enigma. It moves unseen among us, its path unpredictable and its nature ever-changing. It comes and goes as it pleases, a free spirit untamed by man. The secrets of the wind are hidden in its gusts, its riddles whispered in its breezes. Its unpredictability and mystery are a reminder of the many mysteries that still exist in our world, waiting to be discovered and understood.

The wind is a reminder that the world is vast and full of surprises, an ever-changing landscape where anything can happen. Its enigmatic presence reminds us to never stop exploring, to always stay curious and search for answers – even if we don’t have all the pieces of the puzzle. The wind’s mysteries are waiting to be unraveled – who knows what will be revealed?

So next time you feel lost or overwhelmed, remember the wind’s enigmatic presence and let it remind you of the endless possibilities that life holds. Let it carry you away with its gentle caress, inspiring your imagination and reminding you to never give up on searching for answers. The wind will be there, guiding us towards an unknown destination where all our questions can be answered.

Invite the wind into your life, and see where it takes you. Its possibilities are endless, its mysteries waiting to be explored – so why not take a leap of faith and embrace the unknown? Who knows what secrets await just around the corner? The winds of change are blowing – let’s go on an adventure!

8. The Wind’s Serenade

Under the cloak of darkness, the wind serenades the night with a lullaby as beautiful as any nocturne. It rustles through the trees, each leaf acting as a string on nature’s grand harp, creating a melody that soothes the soul. The wind’s song is a symphony of silence and sound, a concert performed for the stars above and the sleeping world below. This nighttime serenade is a testament to the wind’s versatility and its ability to create beauty at any hour.

So next time you find yourself awake in the dark of night, take a moment to pause and listen. The wind will be there, singing its lullaby and inviting you on a peaceful journey through its musical landscape. Sweet dreams await!

So no matter when or where the wind blows, it touches us all – with any luck, carrying us away on the journey of a lifetime. So when you feel the wind against your skin, remember that it’s more than just a gust of air. It’s an invitation to explore, a messenger of history, and a playful companion with stories waiting to be heard. Let the wind guide you on your next adventure – who knows what secrets await?

Until then, may the wind be at your back and the stars in your eyes. Here’s to many stories told and secrets discovered!

9. The Wind’s Healing Touch

The wind is not just an artist or a storyteller; it’s also a healer. It brushes against our skin, soothing our worries and fears. The wind’s touch is a comfort, a balm for our weary souls. It whispers words of reassurance, its voice a soothing lullaby that calms our troubled minds. The healing power of the wind is a reminder of the restorative power of nature, a force that can help us find peace and tranquility in our chaotic world.

So next time you feel overwhelmed by the chaos of life, take a moment to step outside and let the wind’s healing touch envelope you. Feel it around you, blowing away your worries and calming your mind. Let yourself be carried away on its gentle breeze until all that remains is peace and serenity. The wind’s healing power will help restore your body and mind, allowing you to find the strength and courage to keep going.

So let the wind be your guide, and discover its healing power for yourself. It’s a reminder that life isn’t always easy – but with nature’s help, we can make it through anything. So go out there and let the wind carry you away; who knows what new adventures await you?

The wind is a reminder that life is an ever-changing journey, with possibilities waiting to be explored and stories just waiting to be told. So no matter where the wind takes you, remember its strength and resilience – for it will always carry us through any storm. Here’s to many journeys taken and memories made!

10. The Wind’s Eternal Journey

The wind is a traveler, journeying across the globe without ever needing a passport. It traverses mountains and valleys, forests and deserts, oceans and rivers. Each gust is a step forward on its endless voyage, each breeze a new destination. The wind’s journey is a testament to its enduring spirit, a symbol of its unending quest for discovery and adventure. As we feel the wind against our skin, we are reminded of our own potential for exploration and our shared desire to understand the world around us.

So next time you feel the wind, remember its eternal journey and use it to inspire your own. Whether close to home or on a grand expedition, may the wind be at your back as you set off on your own voyage of discovery. Adventure awaits – let’s go explore!

The wind is both an inspiration and a reminder that life can take you anywhere. So why not embrace the uncertainty and let yourself be carried away wherever the wind takes you? Who knows what secrets await just around the corner? The winds of change are blowing – let’s go on an adventure!

So no matter where or when the wind blows, remember its strength and resilience. Be inspired by its journey across time and space, and use it to find your own way in this ever-changing world. Here’s to many journeys taken and memories made!

We’ve journeyed through the many facets of the wind, exploring its whispers and roars, its gentle caresses and playful games, its enigmatic presence and healing touch. We’ve reveled in its serenades and admired its eternal journey. In each instance, we’ve sought to bring alive the intangible yet powerful force of the wind through the art of descriptive writing.

The goal here is not just to teach you about the wind, but to inspire you to push your creativity and storytelling skills to new heights. To not just settle for ‘it was windy’, but to paint a vivid picture that brings the readers into the heart of the whistling breeze. To make them feel the wind’s cool touch on their skin, to hear its rustling song in their ears, to smell the earthy scent it carries, and to see the world it shapes with every gust and breeze.

Remember, great writing isn’t just about conveying facts, it’s about engaging the senses, stirring emotions, and sparking the imagination. It’s about transforming a simple concept like the wind into a dynamic character that dances across the pages of your story. It’s about turning the ordinary into the extraordinary.

So next time you or your students sit down to write, remember these examples of how to bring the wind to life. Use them as a starting point, then let your imagination soar like a leaf caught in a gust of wind. Remember, the sky is not the limit, it’s just the beginning. Happy writing!

Related Posts

About The Author

I'm Dan Higgins, one of the faces behind The Teaching Couple. With 15 years in the education sector and a decade as a teacher, I've witnessed the highs and lows of school life. Over the years, my passion for supporting fellow teachers and making school more bearable has grown. The Teaching Couple is my platform to share strategies, tips, and insights from my journey. Together, we can shape a better school experience for all.

Join our email list to receive the latest updates.

Add your form here

Writers in the Storm

A blog about writing.

Power Your Fiction: Using Weather To Create Mood, Not Clichés

Angela Ackerman

Are you afraid of using the weather in your writing? If so, you're not alone. After all, if not careful, weather description can be a minefield of clichés. The sunny, cloudless afternoon at the beach. The gloomy rainstorm at a funeral. Overdone setting and weather pairings can lie flat on the page.

Then there's the danger that comes with using weather to mirror a character’s inner emotional landscape. Mishandling this technique can quickly create melodrama. We've all read a battle scene where lightning crackles as our protagonist leaps forward to hack down his foe in desperation. And how about that turbulent teen breakup where the character's tears mix with falling rain? Unfortunately these have been used so much that most readers tilt their head and think, Really? when they read a description like this.

Wow, weather sounds like a recipe for disaster, doesn't it? It’s no wonder that some writers are so nervous about using it they cut it from their manuscript. But here’s the thing… avoiding weather in fiction can be a fatal mistake.

Make Weather Your Friend

Weather is rich. Powerful. It is infused with symbolism and meaning. And most of all, weather is important to us as people. We interact with it each day. It affects us in many subtle ways. In fact, let’s test this by walking in a character’s shoes.

Think about walking down a street. It’s late afternoon, crystal bright, and a hot breeze blows against you. School’s out and kids run willy-nilly down the sidewalk, laughter ringing the air as they race to the corner store for a grape slush. Your sandals click against the pavement as you turn down between two brick buildings. The side door to an Italian restaurant is just past a rusty dumpster, and your fiancée’s shift is about to end. You smile, feeling light. You can’t wait to see him.

Now, let’s change the scene.

It’s sunset, and the weather has soured. Dark clouds pack the sky, creating a churning knot of cement above you. The sidewalk is deserted, and the wind is edged in cold, slapping your dress against your legs as you walk. You wish you’d worn pants, wish you’d brought a sweater. In the alley, garbage scrapes against the greasy pavement and the restaurant’s dumpster has been swallowed by thick shadow. The side door is only a few steps away. You can’t quite see it, and while all you have to do is cross the distance and knock, you hesitate, eyeing the darkness.

The same setting, the same event. Yet, the mood and tone shifted, all because of the weather I included in the backdrop. What was safe and bright and clean became dark and alien. This the power of weather--changing how people feel about their surroundings.

Steering Your Reader's Emotions

Readers bring the real world with them when they enter a story. Avoiding weather description will be noticed as it's  such a natural part of the everyday, and it becomes a missed opportunity to steer how our readers feel.

Weather is a tool to evoke mood, guiding the character toward the emotions we want them to feel, and by extension, the reader as well. By tuning into specific weather conditions, a character may feel safe, or off balance. Weather can work for or against the character, creating conflict, tension, and be used to foreshadow, hinting that something is about to happen.

Because we have all experienced different types of weather ourselves, when we read about it within a scene, it reminds us of our own past, and the emotions we felt at the time. So, not only does weather add a large element of mood to the setting, it also encourages readers to identify with the character’s experience on a personal level.

So how do we write weather in a clear way, and stay away from the pitfalls?

Use Fresh, Sensory Images. In each passage, I utilized several senses to describe the effects of the weather. A hot breeze. Garbage scraping against the greasy pavement. A wind edged in cold, slapping against the legs. By describing weather by sound, touch and sight, I was able to make the scene feel real.

Avoid Direct Emotion-to-Weather Clichés. There are some pairings we should avoid as I mentioned above, and with so many different types of weather elements we really need to think past the usual ones. Avoid mirroring and instead show the character’s reaction to the weather. This is a stronger way to indicate their emotions without being too direct.

Choose Each Setting With Care. Setting and Weather should work together, either through contrast or comparison. In the first scene, we have beautiful weather and an alley as a final destination. These two are contrasts—one desirable, one not, but I chose to show enthusiasm and anticipation for the meeting to win out. In the second, the weather becomes a storm. Now we have two undesirable elements, and as such, they work together to build unease.

Weather can have a positive or negative effect on setting and change the character’s reaction to it, so don’t be afraid to use it! Just remember that with something this powerful, a light touch is all that is needed.

Fog Image: Pixabay

Do you use weather in your stories? How do you go about it?

15 comments on “Power Your Fiction: Using Weather To Create Mood, Not Clichés”

I love your books! Wonderful post- thank you for sharing!

Thank you Alan--you made my day! Season's Greetings!

Thank you so much for the post! I have all 3 of your books and love them. I'm working on a novella that involves weather, Snowbound with the Stork, but I'm using a little twist. I'm using the "snow" event that crippled Atlanta and several other cities in the South with 1 to 1.5 inches of snow.

Carrie, so very glad our books are helping you as you write. And that sounds great! It is funny--I live in Canada, and well, we get SNOW if you know what I mean. I knew someone who lives in Vegas and a few years back they got an inch of snow and it completely paralyzed the city. Schools were closed, the whole deal. Haha, an inch of snow! But, when you are expecting it and don't know how to deal with it as a city, I can imagine it would cause havoc!

Great post, Angela! My WIP is a quest story, so weather (and nature in general) was something I tried to keep in mind when I was writing the first draft. Not only can it enhance or (literally) dampen the mood, but it can be an obstacle to the character's physical journey. At one point I wondered, "Why don't many quest stories have a scene where it rains?" So, I picked a scene where rain would be appropriate, and wrote it that way.

Yes, weather is great at creating conflict, so glad to hear you're bringing it into your story for that reason. Weather is unpredictable, and because we humans like to be in control, it is the perfect way to remind our protagonist that he is not. There are so many deep ways weather can bring more texture to any scene, so i love reading stories where it is used well. 🙂

Hello Angela. Fellow writer, Cathy Orzech, wrote to me saying, "Thought you'd be interested in this take on "Using weather to create mood…." I enjoyed your use and detail of weather in Amanda's Room." Cathy was right. I enjoyed your article very much and, with your permission, would like to reprint it on my blog, "Something Significant." In "Amanda's Room," I wanted to use the weather in a unique way, so I went beyond using it as a backdrop and instead turned it into a central character in the book. Following Ken Follett's example in "Code to Zero," I also led each chapter with factual quotes about the weather which later became linked to what was happening in the story and the lives of the characters. If you are interested, let me know and I would be happy to send you a complimentary copy of the ebook. In the meantime, warmest wishes for a wonderful holiday season. Warmest Regards, Chuck Miceli

So glad you found this article helpful. It sounds like you really have a good handle on how to use weather, so good on you! Feel free to reprint, and if you could just link to this one here, people can follow it back to the original should they wish to (and discover a great blog while they are at it!).

Happy writing!

I do include weather. It's such an every day part of life, how can you not? But I try to remember that how I describe the weather needs to be through the prism of how my characters are feeling - a kid waking up on the first day of summer holidays is going to feel differently about a beautiful day than a kid being made to run laps in phys ed. The weather might be exactly the same but in one situation the sunshine is an invitation, in the other it's a merciless torturer.

This was a great post. Thanks for sharing it.

Yes, absolutely. All description should come through that emotional filter as it brings readers deeper into the mind and heart of the POV character. Glad you enjoyed the post!

[…] Ackerman discusses how to use weather to create mood, not clichés on Writers in the […]

Warmer weather and bright sunshine foreshadow the action in my YA winter adventure short story in this month's Cricket Magazine. Thank you for your insight on how to make weather integral to the plot and characterization.

Very happy to help, Victoria!

[…] Power Your Fiction: Using Weather To Create Mood, Not Clichés By Angela Ackerman […]

[…] “Power Your Fiction: Using Weather To Create Mood, Not Clichés” by Angela Ackerman (Wr… […]

Subscribe to WITS

Type your email…

Recent Posts

• Writing 101: What The Heck Is a Turning Point?
• How Characters’ Hobbies and Interests Affect the Narrative
• Is Your Protagonist Too Lucky?
• 40 Books Later: 10 Essential Writing Insights
• Accountability Can Be a Writer’s Best Tool
• Ellen Buikema
• Jenny Hansen
• Lynette M. Burrows
• Lisa Norman

Copyright © 2024 Writers In The Storm - All Rights Reserved

160+ Ways to Describe Weather

I keep a collection of descriptions that have pulled me into the books I read. I’m fascinated how authors can–in just a few words–put me in the middle of their story and make me want to stay there. This one’s 160+   Ways to Describe Weather.

A note: These are for inspiration only . They can’t be copied because they’ve been pulled directly from an author’s copyrighted manuscript (intellectual property is immediately copyrighted when published).

• Evening shadows deepened into blue and purple.
• The shadows retreated.
• Sun was sinking toward the horizon, the pitiless white ball now an angry orange.
• Fading afternoon in early June
• Evening sky had turned to molten brass.
• Sun still cast a faint yellow light through Slowly gathering evening.
• Daylight had begun to drain away.
• one-quarter of a moonlit night
• silver-white moon hung
• A half-moon rests in the fronds over our heads.
• watching the horizon drain of color
• The shadows slipped up the rocks as though the world were drowning in darkness.
• deepening shadows made it a city of ghosts
• barely visible in the fading light
• the high heavens
• Darkness settled around him.
• The shadows slipped up the rocks.
• Evening was crisp already, the last of sunset just a fading pale stripe in the western sky.
• darkening river
• the moon golden at dawn, turn purple just before sunset in the rainy season, sometimes has white and black stripes created by volcanic ash, calm and clear sometimes attended by only a single cloud
• humpback shapes of conical hills
• The last rays of sun skimmed the surface.
• late afternoon sun
• velvety darkness
• night shattered like a mirror
• the Southern Cross lying on its side, the green meadow bathed in the humid light of the sinking sun
• The corners have just about disappeared into the shadows.
• black branches that traced the blue-black heavens overhead
• far away down the night sky
• full moon a pale blue-white disk
• night sky dull black
• Stars were remote pinpricks.
• a half-moon rests in the fronds over our heads
• inky blackness
• Thick clouds blotted out the stars.
• A thin layer of clouds masked the full moon, filling the room with blue light.
• Sun cast a luminescent glow.
• The day was out of sync with his mood.
• beautiful, 82 degrees, mild breeze, cloudless sunshine, a day for looking at a ball game
• The air was cool but the sun was out.
• The wind blew itself out overnight.
• a web of clouds, back-lit by the failing sun, mist billowed through the trees and over the fields and hung low in the air, masking the camp in a ghostly gray
• towering thunder clouds
• Clouds threatening, but no rain predicted the 45-mile per hour gusts of drizzly wind.
• brown cloud that passes for air
• a wedge of sunlight bursting past the narrow window
• The wind was icy and withering.
• Heads bowed against the gusting wind.
• Grit grated in his teeth. Dust was everywhere, blowing on the wind, leaving its scent in his nostrils.
• as dust motes drifted
• thirty miles over the horizon
• razor edge of the horizon
• cinder dust and gloom
• The haze floated over the crowd like smoke from a doused fire.
• Sun hanging in a pink haze of clouds and smog.
• Fog yellowed by agricultural burning.
• Fog began to billow across the road in a great grey mass like the effluent of a thousand smokestacks. The building was only a shadowy form, almost entirely lost to view.
• Headlamps of cars did little to pierce the gloom.
• The mist floated like smoke out of the cypress in the swamp.
• dark clouds drifting over the hills
• night was pitch
• slice of sky
• thick clouds blotted out the stars
• a thin layer of clouds masked the full moon, filling the room with blue light
• cool restful shady world with light filtering lazily through the treetops that meet high overhead and shut out the direct sunlight
• saw the anvil of cloud coming in. “A thunderstorm.”
• Cumulus clouds falling down to the…
• A light breeze whispered through the trees.
• cloud shadows
• first cumulus clouds darkening into thunderheads
• hold humidity like a sponge holds water
• thick heat of the growing morning
• fierce humidity
• windless heat
• It was surprisingly hot. He could feel the sweat roll down his sides and the dampness of the box up against his chest.
• Even with the breeze, the air remained thick and hot, and it stills tank of petroleum.
• sky as gray-white and sunless
• against the fading layers of orange, yellow
• shoulders hunched against the early morning damp and cool
• fused warm light of dawn now creeping down the summit
• bathed in sunlight
• gold shadow not three inches from his leg
• his breath steaming in the air
• Snow pelted his face and he pulled up the collar of his overcoat to further shield him from the bitter weather.
• rubbed his arms
• A harsh winter wind blew out of a midnight sky. It roared out of the frigid north and thrashed the brooking forest. The force of it bent trees, whipping their bare branches like angry lashes. Shrieking across the river.
• Cold was like that, seeping through her seven layers of clothing, attacking seams and zipper tracks and spots of thin insulation. The exposed skin on her face felt as if it had been touched with lit cigarettes.
• frigid Friday morning
• swirling snow
• winter’s naked branches created a black tracework
• The sun was climbing out of the deep well of winter, but it was still brutally cold.
• winter colors daubed the land in colors of brown and gray
• sunny, crisp and cool
• The crisp air and clear sky energized his thoughts.

Rainy weather

• grey wet morning
• rain-swept and unpleasantly chilly
• A flurry of rain stung my face.
• Cold rain was beating down on my windshield.
• The sky was leaden.
• Downpour started in the early evening and continued on through the night, a heavy pelting of water that thundered against rooftops and drowned out the sound of all else. By morning, city streets were shallow rivers rushing toward the ocean.
• Rain ran down the window, the streets gleamed.
• damp paving stones
• By the time it reaches the ground, it has spent its energy.
• windshield wipers barely keeping up with the cold, hard rain
• The rain came steady and cold against the windshield and rattled on the roof of the car.
• turned her head away and looked out my window, where it had gotten dark and shiny with the lights glistening off the rain.
• The maple trees were black and slick in the rain, their bare branches shiny. The flower bed was a soggy matting of dead stems.
• The sky was low and gray.
• Air was swollen.
• the rain was steady and warm and vertical
• drizzly rain
• The sleety rain drizzled down, not very hard and not very fast, but steady.
• Rain came down so hard it almost hurt, stinging the skin and blowing into the eyes and nose and mouth, but in the forest its fall is broken by the trees.
• saw a distant flash of lightning, counted the seconds, and then said, “six miles, more or less.”

People in hot weather:

• Heat wave hit, temperatures went soaring.
• The heat hit them like a hand in the face.
• strode into the dusk, into the stifling heat
• The heat smacked the grin off his face.
• Burst back into the blistering hot sun. Sweat immediately beaded across her brow. She could feel her T-shirt glue itself stickily to her skin.
• I could feel the sweat form along my backbone and trickle down.
• She slogged forward, feeling blotches of dark gray sweat bloom across the front of her T-shirt, while more trailed down the small of her back.
• slogging across pavement as hot as ash in August.
• white dress shirt, sharply pressed this morning, was now plastered against his chest
• already short of breath, his lungs laboring as they headed down the path
• still wrung out from working in the heat
• Take your shirt off. Pop your underwear in the freezer. Dump a tray of ice cubes on your bed. Throw back some chilled vodka shots before you go to sleep.
• The semi-drought slowly draining the life out of the grass and trees.
• Only 7 in the morning, and already stocky hot. *** had a sheen across his forehead.
• Sweat tricked from his forehead which he wiped with the back of his knotted, callused hand.
• hundred degree heat, burning sun and parching salt
• ninety-five outside, probably a hundred in the car. Not great weather for polyester suits
• a fresh drop of sweat teared up on her brow and made a slow, wet path down the plane of her cheek
• walking through a hair dryer
• The heat slammed her like a blow.
• *** cranked the air-conditioning. She stripped off her sweat-soaked clothes, climbed into the shower and scrubbed.
• answered the phone while used the other hand to wipe the sweat from the back of her neck. God this heat was unbearable. The humidity level had picked up on Sunday and hadn’t done a thing to improve since.
• *** thin green sundress was already plastered to her body while she could feel fresh dewdrops of moisture trickle stickily down between her breast.
• Cradled the phone closer to her damp ear
• Her face shiny with sweat.
• Summer sun remained a brilliant, blinding white. No shade existed for miles and the heat rising up from the baked earth was brutal.
• The summer heat came off the tarmac in waves.

Hot Weather

• While the mercury climbed to a hundred degrees. Efforts started strong, then petered out. People got hot, got tired, got busy with other things—inside things.
• Seemed to be bracing himself for leaving the cool comfort of air-conditioning behind and bursting once more into the heat
• The heat settled in on them, rolling in like a heavy blanket and pressing them deep into their chairs while their clothing glued to their skin.
• Even my teeth are sweating
• The sun beat down relentlessly; even with the AC cranked up, she could feel the heat.
• She could already feel sweat trickle down her back.
• The sun burned white-hot overhead.
• glass exploding from the heat of the sun
• vanish in the dry season’s brown leaves

Click for the complete list of 69 writer’s themed descriptions .

Copyright ©2022 worddreams.wordpress.com – All rights reserved.

Popular collections:

15 Ways to Describe Birds

How to Characterize Love in Your Writing

45 Transitions That Help Your Story Flow

Jacqui Murray  is the author of the popular  Man vs. Nature  saga, the  Rowe-Delamagente thrillers , and the acclaimed  Building a Midshipman , the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy .  She is also the author/editor of over a hundred books on integrating tech into education, adjunct professor of technology in education, blog webmaster, an  Amazon Vine Voice , and a freelance journalist on tech ed topics. Look for her next prehistoric fiction,  Savage Land Winter 2024

Share this:

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

122 thoughts on “ 160+ Ways to Describe Weather ”

Pingback: Top 10 Posts, Most Commented, Tips, and Share Platforms for 2023 |

Pingback: Top 10 Posts, Most Commented, and Tips for 2022 |

Pingback: How’s The Weather In Your Story? – Writer's Treasure Chest

Weaving words so perfectly – Thanks for sharing. And overnight, a transformation. Summer at last.,, .

Like Liked by 1 person

These really inspire me. I often read through my collections when I’m stuck.

helped my writing

Pingback: Top 10 Posts — and Most Commented — for 2021 |

Reblogged this on Coffee82 and commented: Awesome.

Like Liked by 2 people

Nice collection! A lot of poetic and inventive phrasing there.

✨🙏🕉🌱🌿🌳🌻💚🕊☯🐉✨

Weather is so many different things to different people. Not surprising I found 160 descriptions of it.

Ha! yes – that got me thinking about the old “Number of words for snow” question, and I found this . As a Scot myself though I have to say I am very, very skeptical of the final claim in that article!

I’ve heard of that, too. Luckily, my folks don’t have that problem but it is truly an issue if you’re writing about present-day groups in snowy lands.

Appreciate your list of ways to describe the weather. Timeless too. Here I am 2 years since your post and inspired by your creativity. Take care, Steve

It is timeless, isn’t it! When I put this list together, it helped me to better appreciate weather.

Impressive list. (Mine, now!) I’m compiling one for similes. Raymond Chandler makes me smile with his off the wall analogies. I recently added a Writing Terms Checklist on my free checklists page. It was too long for a post. Thanks for all you do!

I like checklists. I’ll check yours out!

Hi Jacqui, Thanks for reading my modest post. What an accomplished woman you are! What would we do without words, eh! Cheers. Joy x

Thanks, Joy. I enjoyed your thoughts. It’s amazing what inspired such accomplished writers as the Brontes.

Excellent list, Jacqui. I even get lots of ideas for titles, something I’m always struggling with entering competitions.

I grab these from books I read. You can probably tell I favor thrillers, action. I like ‘weather’ and ‘setting’ to be a character as much as the others.

That’s an amazing compilation. Thanks for sharing!!

Thanks! These sorts of lists inspire me.

An awesome post, Jacqui. Thank you. Weather intrigues. It is joy-filled and sometimes furious. God is bowling upstairs during a thunderstorm. Be well and enjoy the week. ox

Thanks–weather is fascinating. I like when I can feel it through an author’s words.

Indeed and thank you, Jacqui. Word play is an enjoyable activity. We have about seven months of winter, two days of spring and then summer at our end of the pond in Upstate New York. I love my four seasons. Be well.

7 months of winter. I didn’t know NY was that cold! Good to know so I never move there!

Jacqui, I laughed at your comment. We live near Lake Ontario and Oneida Lake and get frequent lake effect snow storms in winter. When I first moved to this area, I learned about lake effect snowstorms. We have excellent snow removal though so come on over sometime. Colorful in Autumn too.

Pingback: Episode 129: A Dark and Stormy Night – #WriteOnSC Radio Show and Craft School

These are great, Jacqui! And yes, inspirational. It’s good to see how other authors describe things; it gives ideas on alternates.

It is. There are some very clever minds out there.

What an epic list 😀 Reminds me of a ‘music’ video we were recommended to watch for university called ’50 words for snow.’ It’s fun to think of different ways to describe things!

That must be put out by Eskimos. They know more about snow than anyone I’ve seen.

That’s a long list, Jacqui. So many ways to tell the day. Thanks for sharing this!

It’s one of my longest! Who knew?

That’s a lot of ideas for talking about the weather 🙂

Dinner party chat.

Quite eloquent 🙂

These lists are so inspirational! Thank you for posting this.

It is pretty interesting to view weather through so many literary eyes, innit?

Yes, indeed. I learn so much. 🙂

great list Jacqui. i use the weather regularly in my stories to create a specific mood. thanks for the info.

A bit of unexpected inspiration. Who knew weather was so interesting?

exactly, Jacqui. i also post weather images regularly on instagram. especially the colours of sunrises and sunsets in clouds during different seasons and different weather conditions.

Interesting post, Jacqui. Thanks.

I highlight memorable phrases in the Kindle books I read. Although I no longer transcribe them into a file on my computer (too time-consuming), the mere act of highlighting imprints the phrases in my mind. If an author particularly impresses me, I can scroll through the highlights and reread the highlights for inspiration.

That’s how I do it, too. I like it so well, I’ve migrated from being a print book reader to a Kindle reader.

It’s nice to see the wide variety of language. Not that it is needy. I can describe the weather currently in my area in one word — sucky! 😀

Ah South Korea. It rained most of the time on my one visit there. And no one but me seemed to care!

We’re having a monsoon right now. Don’t remember having a good one of these for a while.

I remember my son telling me July was the typhoon season, which is why we visited in May. Stay safe!

Nothing that crazy. We had a tropical depression pass through, but that’s it. It’s just wet.

I love the idea of keeping a notebook with descriptions that catch your attention. I’m going to start doing this.

Mine is so long,d I added a table of contents with links to the sections! I’m a bit nuts about it.

Pingback: Author Inspiration and This Week’s Writing Links – Staci Troilo

I love the way you compile and share these lists with us, Jacqui. They are amazing and so helpful. Can I confess something? I share some of them with my creative writing students, and then give them prompts where they have to include 3 or more things from your lists. Will be interesting to see how I do that with weather. 🙂

This one got a little long. Who knew there were so many clever ways to describe weather?

I am flattered you share them! I would say weather could surprise them.

This one IS long – but weather gives us a lot to talk about and a lot to experience. I love the list. I will say, the prompt my students seem to love the best is. (are you sitting down?) “It was a dark and stormy night…” 🙂

Reblogged this on Marina Costa and commented: Interesting and useful to know.

Thanks for sharing, Marina!

The English should love this…

I would say India not so much. Do you-all get anything other than hot and humid or too-darn-windy?

What a helpful post, Jacqui! It reminds me of how we can put effort into our descriptions.

BTW, you won a book on my blog. Please confirm there.

Ooh, sorry I missed that. I just went over and replied and then emailed my info to you. How exciting!

Reblogged this on quirkywritingcorner and commented: I love her lists of descriptions. I hope you find them as helpful as I do.

Thanks for sharing this! It puts to bed any thought that weather is boring, doesn’t it?

That’s quite a collection, Jacqui. Isn’t it amazing that each of us can conjure something unique?

It is! Next time you don’t know what to say to someone, you can eruditely talk about the weather!

That’s so funny. Weather ‘small’ talk. Who would’ve thought. 😂

Great post. That’s a wonderful collection

Thank you so much, Luisa. It’s hard to make weather interesting but some very clever authors have done just that.

Jacqui, I love this post. The more I have been reading, the more I recognize how important it is for authors to paint a picture in your mind. To be able to put you right in the middle of the books setting. Sometimes when my mind has trailed off the story, it is descriptions like these that put my mind right back in.

That’s true, innit. A little inspiration to start your day.

I love your descriptions of weather and the times of day. Such descriptions can help add a sense of time in a story (just as the phases of the moon or the stars can create time (crescent moon in evening is aa new waxing moon, crescent moon in morning before sunrise is a waxing moon just before the “dark of the moon” which are the three days the moon is in the shadow of the earth. As for stars: Orion in winter, Scorpus in summer, etc). The dog star in Canis Major, Sirius, the brightest star in the sky, rising in late summer (as it rises just before daylight) is linked to “dog days” of summer…

I also like the old graveside prayer that describes the end of life: “until the shadows lengthen and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, then in thy mercy grant us a safe lodging and a holy rest and peace at last.”

What a wonderful poem. I’ve copied it. It captures so much of the fear and hope.

Thanks for these awesome examples, Jacqui! Saving and sharing…

It’s always fun to talk about the weather, innit?

New Jersey weather: moist ‘n’ icky.

Good description, especially the ‘icky’.

I calls ‘em like I sees ‘em.

Oh my, Jacqui. I love your lists and that’s a good long one. Great thought starters. Thanks for sharing your collection!

Since we-all know we must cover weather, I thought these were clever asnd interesting ways to do that!

Ha ha ha. I love weather. 😀

Right now there is only one way to describe the weather here in my city: hot

Here, too, though I have an excellent fan in my home office.

Some great phrases here, Jacqui. I am reading The Long Walk by Bachman/King at the moment and that has some very descriptive phrases in it.

Oooh, I’ll have to look at him. I love nature writers.

It’s not a nature book, it is a dark psychological horror.

Woah! OK, that’s different!

Darn! All the things I was about to write! 😀

Hehee. These are beyond most of what I write but I’ve seen what you turn out. Excellent.

Wonderful post!

Thanks, Ed. Food for thought…

A lot, just wonderful and so helpful.

My goodness …. can I just say ‘HOT’ … luckily today it’s cooler with a sea breeze … I need to read them all – clever and thank you! Cheers Hilary

Hot works. Absolutely.

Hahaha can I just say HOT, or the weather outside is weather yeah?

What a wonderful list, Jacqui! These are descriptions that always make me pause and reread them to fully enjoy them. They do draw the reader deep the story. I enjoyed reading these, thanks:)

Thanks! They do that for me, too, and that’s why I couldn’t just read and move on. I had to note them!

Some of these are quite lovely. Thanks for sharing.

If you recognized them from your outdoors scenes, feel free to add a note!

I actually didn’t recognize any of them. 🤔

OMG, Jacqui. What an amazing list Thanks for sharing.

It’s really nice for those whose plots take place outdoors a lot!

BTW, finished your book. Couldn’t stop reading. Wonderful.

Thank you, Jacqui. You put a smile on my face:)

Wow, great post. Bookmarking.

Amazing how much there is to say about the weather, innit?

I love weather, the seasons, earth and sky. There were some lovely gems in this collection. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks, Mae. I didn’t used to think much about the weather until I had to write about it, and make it interesting! These really struck me.

A terrific resource Jacqui. Thank you.

Thanks so much, Brigid. I couldn’t believe how many weather descriptors I had!

Nice information thanks

Thanks! Everyone writes about weather, right?

Great list, Jacqui. Thanks so much for sharing.

Thanks, Jill. Who says weather isn’t interesting? Hmm??

I think I’d like to be a meteorologist in my next life. 🙂

Reblogged this on chrismakan .

Thanks for sharing!

Wow this is very educative

I love how some writers weave their words so perfectly.

What do you think? Leave a comment and I'll reply. Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
• Subscribe Subscribed
• Copy shortlink
• Report this content
• View post in Reader
• Manage subscriptions
• Collapse this bar

101 Words To Describe Weather

Writers know that using the weather in their descriptions is a great way to make stories more relatable. Use this comprehensive list of words that describe weather  when you write.

Writers Write is a resource for writers and we have written about words that describe taste , smell , sound , and touch  in previous posts. (We even have one for words that describe colours .) In this post, I have included words that describe weather.

Weather is a wonderful tool for writers. We can use it to foreshadow , create a mood , complicate a plot , show a character , and increase or decrease the pace of a story. We can even use it as a motif .

A setting without the weather is like a character without a wardrobe.

Remember that we need to describe weather through our characters’ interactions with their environments. We should not describe it like a weather report. You could show how cold it is by the clothes they choose to wear or mention the weather in dialogue.

Whatever you do, don’t leave it out. There are unintended consequences to a lack of setting , including a static character, a lack of atmosphere, an inability for the reader to relate to the place and time in the story, and a lack of details.

What Is Weather?

According to Oxford it is ‘the state of the atmosphere at a particular place and time as regards heat, cloudiness, dryness, sunshine, wind, rain, etc.’

Words To Describe Weather

General words describing weather.

• climate – the type of weather that a country or region has
• climate change – changes in the earth’s weather, including changes in temperature, wind patterns and rainfall, especially the increase in the temperature of the earth’s atmosphere that is caused by the increase of particular gases, especially carbon dioxide
• meteorology – the scientific study of weather
• seasonal – suitable or typical of the time of year it is now
• spell – a period when there is a particular type of weather
• weather forecast  – a report on likely weather conditions for a period of time in the future
• zone – one of the large areas that the world is divided into according to its temperature

Words Describing Warm Weather

• balmy – warm and pleasant
• blistering – extremely hot in a way that is uncomfortable
• dog days – the hottest days of the year
• heatwave – a continuous period of very hot weather, especially when this is unusual
• Indian summer – a period of warm weather in autumn
• scorcher – an extremely hot day
• sunny – not stormy or cloudy
• thaw – ice and snow turns into water
• the heat – very hot weather
• tropical – like weather near the equator, climate that is frost-free

Words Describing Cold Weather

• bleak – very cold and grey
• biting – so cold that it makes you feel uncomfortable
• brisk – fairly cold and a fairly strong wind is blowing
• crisp – cold and dry
• fresh – fairly cold and the wind is blowing
• frosty – cold enough to produce frost
• hard – a very cold winter
• harsh – extremely cold and unpleasant
• icy – very cold, like ice
• raw – cold and unpleasant
• snowy – covered with snow

Words Describing Pleasant Weather

• calm – very little wind
• clear – no clouds, rain, etc.
• clement – pleasant because it is neither very hot nor very cold
• cloudless – no clouds in the sky
• equable – does not change very much
• fair – pleasant and not raining
• fine – sunny and not raining
• pleasant – dry and neither very hot nor very cold
• still – without wind
• temperate – a temperate climate or region is never extremely hot or extremely cold
• windless – without any wind

Words To Describe Unpleasant Weather

• bone-dry – completely without water or moisture
• fierce – very strong or severe
• foul – unpleasant, with rain, snow, or wind
• gale-force – an extremely strong wind
• gusty – the wind blowing in gusts
• humid – hot and wet in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable
• muggy –  warm in an unpleasant way because the air feels wet
• murky – dark and unpleasant because of fog, clouds, etc.
• severe – extremely unpleasant and likely to cause harm or damage
• sultry – the air is hot and slightly wet
• threatening – clouds, skies, or seas show that the weather is likely to be bad
• torrential – rain falling in large amounts
• unseasonable – not the type of weather that you expect in a particular season
• windy – with a lot of wind

Words To Describe Wet & Cloudy Weather

• bank – a large mass of cloud or fog
• billow – a cloud that rises and moves in a large mass
• blizzard – a snowstorm with very strong winds
• cirrocumulus – small round clouds that form lines high in the sky
• cirrostratus – a thin layer of cloud found very high in the sky
• cirrus – a type of thin cloud found very high in the sky
• cloudy – full of clouds
• column – something that rises up into the air in a straight line
• cumulonimbus – a mass of very tall thick cloud that usually brings rain and sometimes thunder
• cumulus – a large low white cloud that is round at the top and flat at the bottom
• dull – when there are a lot of clouds and it is rather dark
• fog – a thick cloud that forms close to the ground or to water and is difficult to see through (fog is thicker than mist)
• fogbound – not able to operate normally because of thick fog
• foggy – full of fog or covered with fog
• gather – if clouds gather, they start to appear and cover part of the sky
• grey – when it is not very bright, because there is a lot of cloud
• hurricane – a violent storm with very strong winds
• inclement – unpleasantly cold or wet
• lower – if clouds lower, they are very dark, as if a storm is coming
• mist – small drops of liquid in the air
• misty – lots of mist in the air
• nimbus – a dark grey rain cloud
• overcast – a sky completely full of clouds
• pall – cloud that covers an area and makes it darker
• pea souper – thick low cloud that prevents you from seeing anything
• scud – clouds moving quickly
• sea mist – a thin low cloud that comes onto the land from the sea
• steam- the wet substance that forms on windows and mirrors when wet air suddenly becomes hot or cold
• storm cloud – a very dark cloud
• squall – a sudden violent gust of wind or localized storm, especially one bringing rain, snow, or sleet.
• thundercloud – a storm cloud producing thunder
• tsunami – an extremely large wave in the sea
• typhoon – a violent tropical storm with very strong winds
• vapour – very small drops of water or other liquids in the air that make the air feel wet
• vog – smog that contains dust and gas from volcanoes

Words To Describe Changes In Weather

• break – if the weather breaks, it changes unexpectedly, and usually becomes worse
• break through – if the sun breaks through the clouds, it appears from behind them
• brighten up – if the weather brightens up, it becomes sunnier
• clear up – if the weather clears up, the clouds or rain go away
• close in – if the weather closes in, it becomes unpleasant
• cloud – to become darker because grey clouds are forming in the sky
• ease – if bad weather such as wind or rain eases, it becomes less strong
• fickle – weather that is fickle changes often and unexpectedly
• lift – if something such as cloud or fog lifts, the weather improves and you can see clearly again
• melt away – if ice or snow melts away, it changes into water as it gets warmer
• thaw – if the weather thaws, it becomes warmer and causes ice or snow to change into liquid
• track – if weather tracks in a particular direction, it moves in that direction

The Last Word

I hope these words that describe weather help you with your writing.

If you’re looking for help with describing setting, buy our Setting Up The Setting Workbook .

More Posts Like This One:

• 155 Words To Describe An Author’s Tone
• 140 Words To Describe Mood In Fiction
• 75 Words That Describe Smells
• 20 Words Used To Describe Specific Tastes And Flavours
• 209 Words To Describe Touch
• 204 Words That Describe Colours
• 106 Ways To Describe Sounds
• Cheat Sheets for Writing Body Language
• 350 Character Traits

If you liked this blogger’s writing, you may enjoy:

• How To Tell If You’re Writing About The Wrong Character
• The Unintended Consequences Of A Lack Of Setting
• Why Memoirists Are Their Own Worst Enemies
• Why Writers Should Create A Setting Like A Character
• The Ultimate Memoirist’s Checklist
• 40 Ways To Write About Empathy
• How To Choose Your Genre
• What Is An Analogy & How Do I Write One?
• 5 Ways To Write About Real People In Memoirs

Sources: https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com https://www.macmillandictionary.com/thesaurus-category/british/general-words-for-climate-and-the-weather https://www.macmillandictionary.com/thesaurus-category/british/warm-and-hot-weather https://www.macmillandictionary.com/thesaurus-category/british/words-used-to-describe-cold-weather https://www.macmillandictionary.com/thesaurus-category/british/words-used-to-describe-calm-and-pleasant-weather https://www.macmillandictionary.com/thesaurus-category/british/words-used-to-describe-unpleasant-weather https://www.macmillandictionary.com/thesaurus-category/british/moisture-in-the-air-clouds-and-cloudy-weather https://www.macmillandictionary.com/thesaurus-category/british/changes-in-the-weather

Top Tip : Find out more about our workbooks and online courses in our shop .

• Description , Featured Post , Writing Resource , Writing Tips from Amanda Patterson

1 thought on “101 Words To Describe Weather”

And nowadays there’s also Pyrocumulonimbus.

Comments are closed.

© Writers Write 2022

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

WRITERS HELPING WRITERS®

Helping writers become bestselling authors

Weather Thesaurus Entry: Thunderstorm

April 21, 2011 by BECCA PUGLISI

WEATHER is an important element in any setting, providing sensory texture and contributing to the mood the writer wishes to create in a scene. With a deft touch, weather can enhance the character’s emotional response to a specific location, it can add conflict, and it can also (lightly) foreshadow coming events.

However, caution must accompany this entry: the weather should not be used as a window into a character’s soul. The weather can add invisible pressure for the character, it can layer the SCENE with symbolism, it can carefully hint at the internal landscape, but it must never OVERTLY TELL emotion. Such a heavy-handed approach results in weather clichés and melodrama (a storm raging above a bloody battle, a broken-hearted girl crying in the rain).

SENSORY DESCRIPTORS:

Sight: Heavy gray clouds obscuring the sky, trees/bushes/grassing bending and whipping in the wind, rain pouring down, drops bouncing off the pavement, water running downhill and pooling in low spot, drops racing down a window, flashes of…

Smell:  Moisture, humidity, earthiness (in rural areas), damp wood, hot asphalt being cooled, a fresh clean smell following the storm, ozone

Taste: water

Touch:  A sense of heaviness or weightiness in the air, wind whipping your hair and clothes, strong winds knocking you off balance so you have to lean into them, rain being driven into your face, sodden weight of soaked…

Sound: Booming thunder as the sound waves from the lightning reach your ears, windows rattling, rain pounding on the roof, rain pinging against glass windows, an overall elevated noise from the rain that causes you to turn up… EMOTIONAL TRIGGERS:

Mood: The air before a thunderstorm grows heavier and more ‘charged’ as a storm builds, giving many people (and animals, actually) an unsettled, antsy feeling. The air can get so heavy and humid that it feels weighted, as if it’s pressing down on…

Symbolism: Oppression, release, power…

Possible Clichés:  A clap of thunder signaling an important or ominous event…

Don’t be afraid to use the weather to add contrast. Unusual pairings, especially when drawing attention to the character’s emotions, is a powerful trigger for tension. A timid, weak person may be empowered by the force of a thunderstorm to take bold action. In contrast, a thunderstorm occurring in a place where storms are infrequent might bring about excitement or anticipation in an otherwise sedate character .

Weather is a powerful tool, helping to foreshadow events and steer the emotional mood of any scene.

Need more detail regarding this weather element? Good news!  This thesaurus has been integrated into our new online library at  One Stop For Writers . There, not only has the information in each entry been enhanced and expanded, we’ve also added scenarios for  adding conflict and tension.  The entire thesaurus is also cross-referenced with our many other descriptive collections for easy searchability. Registration is  free , so if you’re interested in seeing a sampling of the fully updated Weather and Earthly Phenomenon Thesaurus, head on over to One Stop.

Becca Puglisi is an international speaker, writing coach, and bestselling author of The Emotion Thesaurus and its sequels. Her books are available in five languages, are sourced by US universities, and are used by novelists, screenwriters, editors, and psychologists around the world. She is passionate about learning and sharing her knowledge with others through her Writers Helping Writers blog and via One Stop For Writers —a powerhouse online library created to help writers elevate their storytelling.

Share this:

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)

Reader Interactions

April 23, 2011 at 9:19 pm

I’m adding in the ozone which, if you can believe it, I’ve never smelled. But I have a TERRIBLE sense of smell. I could be playing with my babies for half an hour and my husband will walk in the room and say, “Who’s poopy?” I’m like, “Huh?”

So thanks for the reminder!

April 23, 2011 at 6:17 pm

Petrichor is the word for “the smell after rain” in case anyone ever wants to get technical.

April 22, 2011 at 10:13 pm

Love the weather angle. I’m fascinated by clouds and storms. I have a hurricane and tornadoes on my dance card as well. Weather is definitely a player!

April 22, 2011 at 8:43 pm

I love thunderstorms too — BUT we just had a thunder-snowstorm on April 19. 9.5 inches. Fortunately, it’s almost all gone already. But, really?

April 22, 2011 at 6:53 pm

Good post. I have lots of thunderstorms in my MG manuscript. Lightning,thunder, fallen trees, flooded roads, wind swishing, hiding in caves, rain pounding on tin roof, and seeing shadows among the trees when lightning streaks across the sky.

April 22, 2011 at 5:59 pm

I have to say “congrats” on spelling lightning properly. Some folks mess that up 😉

Good post too, guys.

April 22, 2011 at 12:44 pm

Great post. I love the thunder and lightening as long as ALL family members are in the house. I will use this thesaurus for sure. Awesomely wicked!

April 22, 2011 at 12:15 pm

hi miss becca! cool post. mostly im scared of thunder and lightening storms and i get my head buried in a blanket. ha ha. i like these weather posts cause for sure they could help make a story way more alive. …hugs from lenny

April 22, 2011 at 6:59 am

Great job! I love thunderstorms! Especially right before one when there is a warm muggy wind and the sky is dark. Love it!

April 21, 2011 at 8:46 pm

I love thunderstorms. Just as long as the lightning doesn’t come near my house.

We watched a house in my neighbourhood burn a few years ago after it was struck by lightning.

This is an amazing resource. And thanks for reminding writers NOT use weather to show the character’s emotions. 😀

April 21, 2011 at 8:19 pm

I am writing a scene now, and you know, I suddenly have the urge to add a thunderstorm! Who knew? Thanks for all your great info! 🙂

April 21, 2011 at 5:52 pm

My YA WIP features the god of thunder, so this is a timely, wonderful resource. Thanks!

April 21, 2011 at 5:49 pm

GREAT point… looking back through my WIP, I realize I could use this tip in my work to give the settings more realism, and sharpen the mood.

April 21, 2011 at 3:55 pm

Oooo, I like that. I am always affected by the weather and I need to remember my characters should be too. Thanks!

April 21, 2011 at 3:33 pm

Oooo, good one! As always, I love it. 🙂

April 21, 2011 at 3:22 pm

I like to use weather to support my characters’ moods, but I worry about cliches. There’s a fine line between using a storm to create tension and ending up with dark-and-stormy-night obviousness.

April 21, 2011 at 12:45 pm

I’m just loving these because I use weather a lot (more than I thought until I saw this). 😀

April 21, 2011 at 9:37 am

Great job, Becca! Matt I love that ozone smell too & love to watch storms!

April 21, 2011 at 9:34 am

My favorite thunderstorm related smell is that slight ozone like aroma that tells you lightning is coming.

Another great entry, thanks Becca!

April 21, 2011 at 9:23 am

Love scenes during thunderstorms are nice 🙂

April 21, 2011 at 9:21 am

Boy, could we use some thunderstorms here in Texas. We are burning up both literally and figuratively. Something like a million acres up in smoke, hundreds of homes destroyed.

April 21, 2011 at 9:05 am

Spooky picture. Brings ideas to mind…

April 21, 2011 at 9:01 am

Great post! Needed this today.

[…] Thunderstorm […]

14 Metaphors about Wind

A metaphor is a literary device used to paint a picture in our reader’s mind. We use metaphors about wind to create a sense of how the wind is acting and what the wind might mean for a storyline.

We’ve gathered together 17 metaphors about the wind that will blow you away !

Please note that we share both metaphors  and similes in our metaphor lists. Several of these metaphors also involve personification . This is a literary device that involves giving inanimate objects human qualities, e.g. “the wind whispers”. Of course, wind cannot whisper – but it can seem that way as the wind sounds a little like a whisper at times. That leads us to our first metaphor!

Metaphors for Wind

1. the wind whispers.

Of course, the wind doesn’t actually whisper. When we say that the wind whispers we are employing a literary device called personification. This means we are giving the wind (which obviously cannot speak) a human quality: the ability to whisper. By doing this, we are evoking in our reader’s mind the sound of wind making hushed ‘whooshing’ sounds as it rattles through trees and branches .

2. The Wind is Insistent

An insistent wind is a wind that continues for a long time or that just “won’t let up”. It blows and blows in our faces, possibly making our life a little difficult. We usually think of a person being insistent – someone who literally “insists” that you give them your attention. But when we talk about insistent wind, we mean the wind won’t stop beating away at you. It won’t calm down or relax. It is like it is demanding your attention and will not stop. This is also an example of 

3. The Wind Bites

A biting wind is a wind that is usually cold and hurts your skin. When I was young, we used to call it the “arctic wind” … even though we lived nowhere near the arctic. But it got the point across: this is a wind that is so cold it hurts! Of course, the wind doesn’t literally bite anybody. But we can imagine that it’s giving us a whole lot of little bites wherever our skin is exposed because the feel of the wind on the skin stings.

4. The Wind Roars

A roaring wind is a wind that makes the noise of a roaring animal because it’s so loud. This usually occurs when the wind moves through a valley, trees, or other structures. It causes friction between the moving air and the objects it passes by. This can cause a sound that, if you’re creative, sounds a little like a roaring lion. So, the wind doesn’t literally roar in the sense that an animal does (here again, we see personification). But the noises it can cause are similar to an animal’s roar. And therefore, we can use this metaphor to create a sense in the reader’s mind of a wind that’s as ferocious as a lion.

5. The Wind Punishes

Here is another example of personification of the wind (this seems to be quite a theme of wind metaphors!). Of course, the wind isn’t a sentient being, so it’s not really possible for the wind to literally dish out punishments. But a punishing wind is one that is so harsh and so powerful that it feels like it’s beating you up. It might rip off roofs, shake windows, and cause trees to fall down. We might associate a punishing wind with a hurricane or tornado, as punishing winds often leave damage in their wake.

6. The Wind Stutters

A stuttering wind is one that is strong for a moment then weaker, then strong then weaker. It “comes in fits and starts”. This sort of wind is very unpredictable, as opposed to the “types” of wind metaphorically referred to above. Those previous ones (punishing, insistent, biting) are more aggressive and generally more consistent. But a stuttering wind will subside and then randomly return, making it hard to predict. The metaphor draws reference to a person who stutters, which is a speech defect in which someone tries to speak but finds it difficult.

7. The Wind is Fitful

A fitful wind is somewhat like a stuttering wind in that it is unpredictable and ever-changing. However, it is not the strength of the wind that we refer to when talking about a “fitful” wind. Instead, it is usually the direction of the wind. These sorts of winds usually swirl and turn back on themselves regularly. As a child in the valley where I grew up, we would know a storm is coming because it was preceded by a fitful wind. The trees would swirl in the wind and the sky would turn dark. This was likely due to two pressure systems colliding, causing the air to move in unpredictable patterns as the air pressure fluctuates. 

8. The Wind is Stiff

A stiff wind is very much like a fierce wind. We call it ‘stiff’ because it seems so strong. I would usually talk about a “stiff” wind when depicting a character walking into the wind. The ‘stiffness’ comes from the wind pushing you back as you walk into it. This makes it feel like you’re walking through water. Your legs move slower and you have to lean forward to counter the stiffness of the wind. Of course, a gas substance like air in our atmosphere cannot be stiff. Stiff objects are ones that are rigid and cannot change shape. Of course, gasses do not have shape – and yet we use this metaphor to reflect on how the wind pushes against us as we walk into it.

9. The Wind Slaps (The Hand of the Wind Slapped my Face)

Sometimes the wind can feel like a hand slapping your face. Of course, the wind has no hand – but here again, we see a type of metaphor we call “personification”. A slapping wind is one that is so “sharp” that it feels like it has slapped you. This feeling usually occurs when the wind starts from nowhere, or when you step out from behind a shelter and are first “hit” by the wind. Now if you want to take this further and make it a really sturdy metaphor, we can say “the hand of the wind slapped against my face”. Now, we have been certain to refer to the wind as a hand – this might be a good choice if you’re feeling that an inanimate object can, literally, slap.

10. The Wind Tickles (The Wind is a Feather)

Here, we have a unique type of wind not yet discussed in this article. A tickling wind is the soft sort of wind, perhaps even a breeze. The breeze certainly doesn’t impede your ability to walk, is unlikely to cause damage to trees or buildings, and may even feel pleasant against your skin. This pleasant feeling of the wind ruffling the hairs on your arm can feel a little like a tickle. Now, we debated whether this could be literal and not metaphorical (can an inanimate thing tickle? Perhaps so.) So, to make it a more sturdy metaphor, we might want to say that the wind is a feather, tickling our skin. (You can read more about how we create meaning with feather metaphors in our article on the symbolism of feathers .) 

11. The Curtains Dance in the Wind

This metaphor refers to curtains – so it might be a metaphor about curtains, but it centrally involves the “actions of the wind” in order for it to operate. Often, curtains will move about and ruffle in the wind. When we claim that the curtains are “dancing” they are of course not really dancing – inanimate objects cannot dance, of course – or at the very least they cannot dance in the literal sense. There is no movement to a rhythm or repetitive sequential moves. But the light movements back and forth when curtains are caught in a breeze make them look as if they’re performing a form of elegant dance.

12. The Wind is an Untamed Beast

To call the wind an untamed beast is to highlight how it is wild, cannot be controlled, and will do whatever it wants. It’s like a wolf or bears: you’re not going to be able to reason with it. You have no control over its behavior. But of course, you can’t say it’s “like” an untamed beast, or that’d be a simile! A metaphor is to say something is literally something that it’s not. So, we say it’s a thrashing bear, a roaring lion, or any other type of untamed beast to get our point across that we cannot control the wind.

13. The Winds of Change

The winds of change is a metaphor that again uses wind in the metaphor, but it’s not directly about the wind. It is using an idea about how the wind “blows in” something new. There’s a famous Scorpion song called “the winds of change” which refers to how change is coming and it cannot be stopped. Here, the phrase “the winds of change” refers to something changing that’s beyond our control. Change is happening. Accept it!

14. A Friendly Breeze

And lastly, we have the metaphor of the friendly breeze. Unlike a fierce wind, a friendly breeze is pleasant and something you might enjoy on a summer’s evening. This breeze doesn’t bring with it destruction or harm in any form. Instead, it might blow away the heat and humidity of the day. Therefore, we can consider it to be a friend. It’s here to help, provide relief, and make the evening even more pleasant. As an author, you might say the friendly breeze brought with it the scent of flowers as a gift – this can get across the idea that the breeze is something pleasant.

The above metaphors about wind and breeze (or, at least involving wind) can help you to make your stories more engaging and enthralling. Your readers might appreciate the use of this literary device to help improve their reading experience. But remember not to use metaphors too often – they can be overdone and decrease the quality and authority of your writing.

If you have any more metaphors, similes, or analogies involving the wind, we’d love to hear them! Leave your ideas in the comments below.

I’m Chris and I run this website – a resource about symbolism, metaphors, idioms, and a whole lot more! Thanks for dropping by.

Stack Exchange Network

Stack Exchange network consists of 183 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow , the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers.

Q&A for work

Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search.

How do I show dust/ ashes being blown away by the wind in a story?

I don't want to straight up say that the dust/ ash was blown away, I want it to have a creepy vibe to it so it's more interesting.

So is there any way to show ( not tell ) ashes being blown away by the wind besides "the ashes were blown away"?

• creative-writing
• word-choice
• short-story
• brainstorming

• Welcome to Writing.SE Rat ! If you have a moment please take the tour and visit the help center to learn more about the site. Have fun! –  Secespitus Commented Feb 1, 2018 at 8:43

5 Answers 5

Describe how they were blown away, how much there is, the strength of the breeze etc. Was it a gust or a gale? Did it billow out in a gently cloud or did it blanket everything nearby in choking ash and dust? What senses can be impacted (sight, taste, sound, touch etc)

This is where the show don't tell doctrine becomes particularly pernicious. It is all telling. All you have is words. All words can do is tell.

To apply show don't tell to prose, you have to show A by telling B. So, if you want to show that Joe is nervous you replace telling us he is nervous:

Joe was nervous.

With telling something that shows he is nervous:

Joe chewed his fingernails and looked at his boots.

This is still telling. It is simply telling us a couple of facts that lead us to conclude another fact rather than telling us that fact directly.

If you appreciate this basic fact, then the show don't tell doctrine loses much of its power to confuse and dismay.

Of course, telling the reader A and B in order that they should conclude C is a very common technique in all of fiction, and, indeed, all of communication. It is powerful because when the reader reaches C by themselves, they own the conclusion far more than if you simply told the C.

On the other hand, it can be perilous. Two things can happen:

The reader may get tired of you forcing them to do all the work and want you to get to the point faster. You don't need them to reach every conclusion for themselves, and they don't want to either. And where does it stop? Why not decide to tell them D and E and hope they arrive at A by themselves. But if you do, why not tell them F and G and let them get to D by themselves. This has to stop somewhere, and it always stops with telling.

The reader may accept A and B and conclude Q rather than C. This happens all the time. It is why nervous authors often hedge their bets by showing and then telling:

Joe chewed his fingernails nervously and stared anxiously at his boots.

On of the reasons to be wary of adverbs is that they are often used by nervous writers to tell the reader what conclusion they are supposed to come based on what they have been told.

Which brings us to why you might not want to just tell the reader that the ash/dust was blown away. We know now what the procedure must be. If the ash and dust being blown away is C, what are statement A and B that will lead the reader to conclude that the dust is being blown away?

There are obviously a lot of things you could choose for A and B. But the real question is, what is the point. Show don't tell is most often invoked to show the character's emotional state by telling the reader what they are doing rather than what they are feeling. But that is not the issue here. The dust being blown away is already a physical action. What is gained by forcing the reader to work this out based on other physical actions that you tell them about?

The two words "dust" and "ashes" next to each other lead me to think of funeral remains.

If there's a particular significance to these dust and ashes, there could be a metaphor based on their absence or on fading memory (perhaps with the wind as the passing of time) that might do what you're hoping.

Alternatively, if the wind isn't significant or apparent, you could achieve "creepy" by having them appear to move away under their own power.

You could use the word "flurry":

flur·ry /ˈflərē/ noun: flurry; plural noun: flurries a small swirling mass of something, especially snow or leaves, moved by sudden gusts of wind. "a flurry of snow" synonyms: swirl, whirl, eddy, billow, shower, gust, "snow flurries" verb verb: flurry; 3rd person present: flurries; past tense: flurried; past participle: flurried; gerund or present participle: flurrying (especially of snow or leaves) be moved in small swirling masses by sudden gusts of wind. "gusts of snow flurried through the door"

It's a word that, to me at least, projects innocence and nostalgia, so when used to describe ashes, might evoke the discomfort and creepiness you seek.

You can place the experience (almost) entirely inside the PoV character. On the fly example of what I mean:

The flecks blew past, impaling her, like the attack of 1000 rabid dogs, pulling her into their raving insanity. She fell into it - into the place she'd ...

Your Answer

Reminder: Answers generated by artificial intelligence tools are not allowed on Writing Stack Exchange. Learn more

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest.

Required, but never shown

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy .

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged creative-writing word-choice short-story brainstorming or ask your own question .

• Featured on Meta
• Bringing clarity to status tag usage on meta sites
• We've made changes to our Terms of Service & Privacy Policy - July 2024
• Announcing a change to the data-dump process

Hot Network Questions

• Stabilizing an offset wood bunk bed
• What's the sales pitch for waxing chains?
• Advice needed: Team needs developers, but company isn't posting jobs
• are "lie low" and "keep a low profile" interchangeable?
• What makes a new chain jump other than a worn cassette?
• Has technology regressed in the Alien universe?
• Inner tube with sealent inside (unopened), have expiry date?
• ~1980 UK TV: very intelligent children recruited for secret project
• What is the reason why creating a veth requires root?
• On airplanes with bleed air anti-ice systems, why is only the leading edge of the wing heated? What happens in freezing rain?
• Why do these finite group Dedekind matrices seem to have integer spectrum when specialized to the order of group elements?
• 1 amen for 2 berachot?
• What can cause a 24 volt solar panel to output 40 volt?
• Does H3PO exist?
• How can I cover all my skin (face+neck+body) while swimming outside (sea or outdoor pool) to avoid UV radiations?
• A man hires someone to murders his wife, but she kills the attacker in self-defense. What crime has the husband committed?
• What if something goes wrong during the seven minutes of terror?
• Is "Alice loves candies" actually necessary for "Alice loves all sweet foods"?
• What does it mean to have a truth value of a 'nothing' type instance?
• What is the origin and meaning of the phrase “wear the brown helmet”?
• Very old fantasy adventure movie where the princess is captured by evil, for evil, and turned evil
• How would a culture living in an extremely vertical environment deal with dead bodies?
• Are the peer reviewers of a journal article allowed to voice surprise to the editor at a "minor revision" decision?
• Unreachable statement when upgrading APEX class version

Describing Thunderstorms: Adjectives & Examples

Hey there! If you’ve ever experienced a thunderstorm, you know just how powerful and awe-inspiring they can be. The booming thunder, the dazzling lightning, and the torrential rain all come together to create a spectacular display of nature’s might. But how can we put into words the intensity and beauty of a thunderstorm? Well, that’s where adjectives come in. In this article, I’ll be sharing some descriptive words that can help you vividly capture the essence of a thunderstorm. So, whether you’re a writer looking to add some flair to your descriptions or simply someone who wants to better express their experiences, keep reading to discover a range of adjectives that will make your thunderstorm descriptions come alive!

Table of Contents

How to Describe thunderstorm? – Different Scenarios

1. Dark and Stormy: In this scenario, the sky is filled with dark clouds and the atmosphere is heavy with anticipation. The adjectives that can be used to describe this kind of thunderstorm are:

2. Electrifying : In this scenario, lightning pierces through the sky, illuminating the darkness and creating a mesmerizing display. The adjectives that can be used to describe this kind of thunderstorm are:

3. Rumbling Thunder: In this scenario, the deep rumbling of thunder can be heard, creating a sense of power and awe. The adjectives that can be used to describe this kind of thunderstorm are:

4. Chaotic Rain: In this scenario, rain pours down in torrents, creating a sense of chaos and confusion. The adjectives that can be used to describe this kind of thunderstorm are:

Describing Words for thunderstorm in English

Thunderstorms are powerful and fascinating natural phenomena that can be both frightening and awe-inspiring. Finding the right words to describe them can help paint a vivid picture in the minds of young learners. In this section, I’ll provide a list of descriptive words that can be used to describe thunderstorms, along with examples to help better understand their meanings.

Adjectives for thunderstorm

Positive adjectives for thunderstorm with 12 example sentences.

When it comes to thunderstorms, there are certain adjectives that can describe the power and beauty of these natural phenomena. Here are some positive adjectives that can help young learners understand and appreciate thunderstorms:

Negative Adjectives for thunderstorm with 5 example sentences

While thunderstorms can be powerful and intriguing, there are also negative adjectives that can help young learners understand the more intense and chaotic aspects of these natural phenomena:

Synonyms and Antonyms with Example Sentences

Synonyms for thunderstorm.

When describing thunderstorms, there are various synonyms that can capture their different qualities and characteristics. Here are some synonyms for thunderstorm, along with example sentences:

Antonyms for thunderstorm

By incorporating these synonyms and antonyms into lessons or discussions, we can help young learners develop a well-rounded vocabulary and a deeper understanding of the different aspects of thunderstorms.

It is crucial, especially for young learners, to incorporate these synonyms and antonyms into their vocabulary lessons. By doing so, we can help them develop a well-rounded lexicon and foster a deeper appreciation for the complexity of thunderstorms.

So, whether you’re a weather enthusiast or an educator, embracing these descriptive words and encouraging their usage can enhance both our language skills and our understanding of the power and beauty of thunderstorms. Let’s continue to explore and celebrate the wonders of nature through the richness of language.

Related Posts

Describing blood: adjectives with examples, adjectives for age: describing words & examples.

As we navigate through life, one thing that remains constant…  Read More » Adjectives for Age: Describing Words & Examples

Adjectives for Fight: Examples and Describing Words

Get the Reddit app

Summer Challenge!

We're looking for mods!

Writing Prompts. You're a writer and you just want to flex those muscles? You've come to the right place! If you see a prompt you like, simply write a short story based on it. Get comments from others, and leave commentary for other people's works. Let's help each other.

[CW] Use at least 250 words to describe a thunderstorm. No dialogue allowed.

By continuing, you agree to our User Agreement and acknowledge that you understand the Privacy Policy .

Enter the 6-digit code from your authenticator app

You’ve set up two-factor authentication for this account.

Enter a 6-digit backup code

Create your username and password.

Reddit is anonymous, so your username is what you’ll go by here. Choose wisely—because once you get a name, you can’t change it.

Reset your password

Enter your email address or username and we’ll send you a link to reset your password

Check your inbox

An email with a link to reset your password was sent to the email address associated with your account

Choose a Reddit account to continue

About Words – Cambridge Dictionary blog

Commenting on developments in the English language

Sweltering, torrential and gusty: interesting words for talking about weather.

by  Liz Walter

Most students learn words for weather quite early in their studies. It’s easy to stick with well-known phrases such as sunny day or heavy rain , but there is a lot of more interesting vocabulary associated with the weather, as you would expect for one of the world’s favourite topics of conversation! In this post, I offer some suggestions for expanding your range of weather vocabulary.

Let’s start with temperature. Very hot weather can be described as scorching , sweltering or boiling . If it is the kind of heat that makes you feel as if you can’t breathe, it is stifling or oppressive . At the other end of the scale, we can describe very cold weather as freezing , bitter or even bone-chilling if we find it unpleasant. Wintry weather is also cold, but this is not necessarily a negative description – it can be used for a pleasant snowy or icy day. In between these two extremes, mild is a positive adjective for weather that is not particularly hot but not too cold either.

Some areas have weather that is changeable or unpredictable , meaning that it does not stay the same for long and you cannot guess what it will be like. Unfortunately, we are seeing more and more extreme weather conditions in the world, with terrible storms, hurricanes and tornadoes (very strong winds). We describe bad storms as violent , fierce or powerful . When they cause a lot of damage, we can say they are devastating , and freak storms are ones which are unusual and unexpected in an area. As well as adjectives, verbs can also be used to add impact and interest to your writing. For example, we may say that a storm tears through a place, or that it is raging .

Some nice words to describe wind include gusty (when it starts and stops), biting (when it is very cold) and howling (when it makes a loud noise). Heavy rain is torrential , while very light, fine rain is misty and persistent rain goes on for a long time. We talk about very heavy rain lashing down or lashing against the window. Glorious sunshine is hot and pleasant, but sunshine that is too hot can be described as fierce or intense . We talk about the hot sun blazing or about sunshine streaming into a place. Hazy sunshine makes it difficult to see the view clearly.

I hope that this post has taught you some new and useful weather words.  Most of us have weather we love or weather we hate, but I like the remark made by Alfred Wainwright, a British writer of walking guides, who famously said, ‘There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.’

Share this:

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)

19 thoughts on “ Sweltering, torrential and gusty: interesting words for talking about weather. ”

Thank you for your post. It seems interesting to guess some personality traits as the way people talk about weather. My favorite phrases also are ‘roaring 40s’, ‘furious 50s’, ‘screaming 60s’ when nearing the south pole.

Quite informative, thank you!

Oh Well, I really did not ever meet such plenty of alternate words to describe weather forcast before this lesson I knew just 2-3 common words related to weather. Now, i got ideas from this lesson that how can we describe different weather situations of a place with different phrases. Thank You!!!

very useful vocabularies, but too much for an old memory, such mine, to bear. Thank you Liz

Mrs. Walter, Your post is useful, again. It has taught us new words. I always have learned with your other posts. Thanks a lot.

Your post is useful and interesting. Also, it taughts me new words. Thanks a lot.

These interesting words do enrich my understand about the weather.

Thanks a lot for the work Liz

I could say I am satisfied most of them are new for me ,I did not get them from school. This job deserves thanks. Thanks Liz Walter!

I liked too!

Really good words

Your idea about wether is useful and helpful to add to ourconveration.we can widen our knowledge .

Your new words have indeed added a lot to my range of weather vocabulary, esp with regard to temperature. so thanks a lot Liz.

Palabras como level y streaming my intetesantes … gracias

Thank you ~it’s fun

I’m really like it :）

Pingback: Describing landscapes, Weather, Personality – About Words – Cambridge Dictionaries Online blog | Qaawyrd-english

Nice and colourful variations. Thank you

The way some of us country folks describe heavy rain is- ” it’s done come a cydumas!” = si- do -mus. Meaning it’s flooding outside, better head for high ground. D.R. Covington, GA. GO DAWGS!

Pingback: Small talk - About Words - Cambridge Dictionary blog

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Discover more from about words - cambridge dictionary blog.

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading