how to describe a lightning in creative writing

20 of the Best Words to Describe a Storm in Writing

By: Author Hiuyan Lam

Posted on Last updated: October 20, 2023

Categories Vocabulary Boosters

What’s great when searching for words to describe a storm, whether for a storm you are looking to write about in your novel or something else, is that there are endless possibilities.

Words to describe how a storm is can vary as there are different aspects you could focus on, and storms can occur in different places.

Here are some words to describe two different aspects of a storm and where one can take place.

The best words to describe a storm with lightning

  Finding the right words to describe a storm with lightning is particularly hard as some people are afraid of it, whereas others think that it’s awesome, or both.   Here are some words to describe a storm with lightning:  

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25 of the Best Words and Phrases to Describe Rain

Top words for describing the sound of thunder

  When looking for words to describe a storm, don’t forget to consider those that describe the most distinct sound you will hear during one: thunder.   There are many words to describe a storm with thunder and we have compiled the best of them below.  

25 Perfect Words to Help Describe Your Pain and Suffering

The best words to describe a storm at sea

  Sailors have seen their fair share of bad weather, so you need to think and feel as they would when using words to describe a storm.   To get the best words to describe a storm at sea when you haven’t witnessed one, try to imagine what feelings sailors of old and modern times would share.  

25 of the Best Words to Describe Heat and Hot Weather

  Storms are one of the most amazing weather occurrences when you consider how they have the power to build and destroy all in one watery bundle.   We hope that you’ve found a few words to describe a storm that can accurately express how you felt during one.  

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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.

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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!

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How to Describe thunderstorm? – Different Scenarios

When it comes to describing thunderstorms, there are various scenarios that can help vividly convey the power and beauty of these natural phenomena. As a writer or someone looking to express their experiences with thunderstorms, it’s important to choose the right adjectives to paint a detailed picture in the reader’s mind. Here are some different scenarios and the adjectives that can be used to describe them:

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:

• Torrential: Heavy rain that falls with great force.
• Menacing: Giving a feeling of impending danger or harm.
• Intense: Extremely strong or severe.
• Foreboding: A sense of something bad about to happen.

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:

• Dazzling: Brilliantly or showily bright.
• Electrifying: Producing a thrilling or exciting effect.
• Spectacular: Strikingly beautiful or impressive.
• Enchanting: Delightfully charming or captivating.

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:

• Resounding: Filling the air with sound; echoing loudly.
• Mighty: Possessing great and impressive power or strength.
• Roaring: Making a loud, deep, and prolonged sound.
• Unyielding: Firm and determined, not giving way.

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:

• Deluge: A severe flood or heavy downpour.
• Blinding: So intense as to cause temporary loss of vision.
• Torrential: Pouring down rapidly and heavily.
• Unpredictable: Difficult or impossible to foretell or foresee.

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.

• Electrifying – Thunderstorms are often filled with electrical energy, creating a thrilling and intense atmosphere. Here are some adjectives you can use to describe an electrifying thunderstorm:
• Intense – Thunderstorms can be incredibly powerful, with strong winds, heavy rain, and lightning. Using adjectives that convey intensity can help describe the impact of a thunderstorm:
• Dramatic – Thunderstorms can create a dramatic and theatrical display, capturing attention with their unpredictable nature. Here are some words that can describe the dramatic aspects of a thunderstorm:
• Chaotic – Thunderstorms can bring a sense of chaos as nature unleashes its might. Here are some adjectives that can be used to describe the chaotic nature of a thunderstorm:
• Mysterious – Thunderstorms have an air of mystery surrounding them, with dark clouds and rumbling thunder. These adjectives can be used to describe the mysterious elements of a thunderstorm:

Remember, when teaching these words to young learners, it’s important to provide examples and create opportunities for them to use these words in context. Encourage them to describe the thunderstorms they have experienced or imagine what a thunderstorm might look, sound, and feel like.

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:

• Electrifying – The crackling lightning and booming thunder make thunderstorms electrifying. For example, “The thunderstorm was electrifying, filling the sky with dazzling flashes of light.”
• Captivating – Thunderstorms have a way of capturing our attention with their awe-inspiring displays. For example, “The captivating thunderstorm held everyone’s gaze as the dark clouds rolled in.”
• Enthralling – The intensity of a thunderstorm can be enthralling, captivating us with its raw power. For example, “The enthralling thunderstorm left us in awe, as we watched the rain pour down in sheets.”
• Majestic – Thunderstorms have a certain grandeur and majesty that cannot be denied. For example, “The majestic thunderstorm dominated the sky, with its dark clouds and powerful lightning strikes.”
• Energizing – There’s an energy in the air during a thunderstorm that can be invigorating. For example, “The energizing thunderstorm filled the atmosphere with a sense of excitement and anticipation.”
• Exhilarating – The thrill of a thunderstorm can be exhilarating, with its intense flashes of lightning and booming rolls of thunder. For example, “The exhilarating thunderstorm kept us on the edge of our seats, waiting for the next bolt of lightning to strike.”
• Spectacular – Thunderstorms put on a spectacular show with their dazzling lightning and booming thunder. For example, “The spectacular thunderstorm lit up the sky with its breathtaking display of lightning.”
• Powerful – Thunderstorms pack a powerful punch, with their strong winds, heavy rain, and booming thunder. For example, “The powerful thunderstorm shook the ground with its mighty thunderclaps.”
• Dramatic – Thunderstorms are known for their dramatic nature, with dark clouds, bright lightning, and thunder that echoes through the sky. For example, “The dramatic thunderstorm unraveled before our eyes, with lightning illuminating the night sky.”
• Inspiring – The sheer force and beauty of a thunderstorm can be inspiring, igniting our imagination and creativity. For example, “The inspiring thunderstorm fueled my creativity, as I watched the lightning dance across the sky.”
• Mesmerizing – Thunderstorms have a mesmerizing effect, captivating us with their mesmerizing displays of lightning and thunder. For example, “I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the mesmerizing thunderstorm, as it lit up the night sky.”
• Thrilling – Thunderstorms can be thrilling, with their intense flashes of lightning and sudden bursts of thunder. For example, “The thrilling thunderstorm left us breathless, as the lightning cracked and the thunder boomed.”

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:

• Terrifying – Thunderstorms can be terrifying, especially if you’re caught outside in the midst of one. For example, “The terrifying thunderstorm sent people running for cover, as lightning struck nearby.”
• Frightening – Thunderstorms can be frightening, with their booming thunder and flashes of lightning that light up the sky. For example, “The frightening thunderstorm made us jump as the thunder roared and the lightning flashed.”

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

Antonyms are words that have opposite meanings. When talking about thunderstorms, there are antonyms that can capture the calm and peaceful contrast. Here are some antonyms for thunderstorm, along with example sentences:

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.

In this article, I have explored the power and beauty of thunderstorms, highlighting the importance of using descriptive adjectives to capture their essence. By incorporating positive adjectives such as “majestic,” “awe-inspiring,” and “electrifying,” we can paint a vivid picture of these natural phenomena.

Additionally, I have introduced synonyms and antonyms for the word “thunderstorm,” allowing for a more diverse vocabulary when discussing these weather events. From “tempest” to “calm,” these alternative words provide a range of emotions and perspectives to deepen our understanding.

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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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!

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

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19,890 quotes, descriptions and writing prompts, 4,964 themes

lightning - quotes and descriptions to inspire creative writing

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• Thunderstorm

The black heavens were made all the more enchanting by the lightning that stormy day.

In the black that nurtured the evening street came streaks of bold light, came lightning to electrify our hearts.

As if it were starlight pulsing through the graphite sky, lightning came in great networking forks.

Lightning illuminates a brilliant pathway above, lifting our eyes skyward, bringing even the slowest soul-pulses back into a steady and strong rhythm.

The lightning came as Earth's AED, as if her heart needed a jump start.

It was as if the lightning recharged my soul while the rain cleansed, while the thunder resonated so deep in my bones.

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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.

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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.

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Describe The Weather In Writing With Better Vocabulary

When you describe the weather in writing, you set the scene for your story or a part of your story.

It’s an opportunity to show readers the setting rather than tell them about the weather using a couple of quick adjectives.

Using highly descriptive or figurative language and a variety of grammar structures helps you paint the picture vividly in a reader’s mind.

In almost every story, both fiction and nonfiction, there is usually at least one reference to the weather.

In This Article

How to describe the weather in writing

We all know this famous opening line from Edward Bulwer-Lytton’s 1830 novel, Paul Clifford.

It was a dark and stormy night.

Many have criticized the phrase, and Writer’s Digest went as far as to call it the literary poster child for bad story starters.

The main issue is that it uses two very weak adjectives: dark and stormy. Neither of them is usefully descriptive.

The second problem with the phrase is that it starts with a grammatical expletive .

When writing about the weather, using it was,  or there was is a common writing fault. It’s because we so often refer to the weather as it.

But few people take into account what follows Bulwer-Lytton’s famous clause. It’s a pity because the complete sentence is a wonderful example of how to describe the weather in writing.

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 (for it is in London that our scene lies), rattling along the housetops, and fiercely agitating the scanty flame of the lamps that struggled against the darkness.

He uses descriptive noun phrases , strong verbs, and powerful adjectives.

The combination of these three elements paints a vivid picture for readers.

Choosing your vocabulary

You can find many lists of common and unusual words to describe the weather, so you have plenty of choices.

But you should avoid words that are too simplistic. It was hot, cold, windy, or rainy are all very weak expressions.

But if you describe the heat, the cold, the wind, or the rain with noun phrases, you can improve these easily.

The sun started baking early across the plains, delivering a scorching promise for the day ahead.

The cruel icy wind cut like a knife across her cheeks.

Rain, as always, arrived too little, too late to save the crops.

Words that are not widely understood are also worth avoiding. While it’s interesting to find new words, not all of them are useful.

A good example is petrichor. It is the smell or scent of rain arriving after a period of dry weather.

But it is difficult to use, and it might send readers hunting for a dictionary.

The petrichor gave a hint of hope to the farmers.

It would be better to use a descriptive phrase.

The sweet far off scent of rain on dying grass gave hope to the farmers.

Brontide is another, meaning the sound of distant thunder or rumblings of an earth tremor. Again, it’s a great word to know, but with very limited use in writing.

Try this simple formula

Anytime you need to write about the weather, keep this little trick in mind.

Start with a noun phrase, use a strong verb , then add a descriptive clause .

You also need to describe the noun and verb with adjectives and adverbs.

Here’s a quick example.

The heavy dark clouds rolled slowly and low across the parched pastures, but they were heartbreakers, as not a drop of rain fell before the cruel wind carried them away.

It’s an easy way to make sure you avoid the grammatical expletive and weak adjectives.

You can also experiment with similes or metaphors . For example, raining cats and dogs.

Use verbs that sound like the weather

Onomatopoeic verbs and words are perfect for describing the weather because they make a sound.

Here are a few examples to illustrate sound words.

The pitter-patter of raindrops.

Thunder rumbled overhead.

Light hail pinged on the window pane.

With each step, the fresh snow crunched underfoot.

A bolt of lightning cracked across the night sky.

A cold north wind hissed through the trees.

A sudden boom of thunder forewarned us of the approaching storm.

Verbs and words like these are extremely useful because they are action words and highly descriptive.

This article is not a lesson or lecture on how to describe the weather in writing.

It’s purely a reminder that you can always improve.

I have listed a few ideas above, but there are many more ways you can make the weather more interesting.

All it takes is to remember that the setting for a scene or a story needs careful thought and imagination.

But if there are two key takeaways from my article, they are these.

1. Avoid using the grammatical expletive when referencing the weather.

2. Use noun phrases and strong verbs.

If you do those two things, the rest of your weather scene setting will come very easily.

Related reading: Words To Avoid In Writing That Say Nothing

About The Author

Derek Haines

More articles.

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The Greatness of Nature: How to Describe a Thunderstorm

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• Topic: Rain , Storm

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