Courses/CELPIP Vocabulary & Collocations Kit/Weather & Environment - Seasons, Forecasts & Clothing

#51. Weather & Environment - Seasons, Forecasts & Clothing

Words (Core Vocabulary)

  • forecast / hourly / overnight low / high
  • UV index / air quality / visibility
  • windchill (feels colder with wind) / humidex (feels hotter with humidity)
  • precipitation: rain / drizzle / showers / flurries / snowfall
  • freezing / frost / black ice / slush
  • layers / base layer / mid layer / shell
  • waterproof / water-resistant / breathable
  • insulated jacket / down / synthetic
  • toque (knit hat) / mitts / gloves / scarf
  • rain boots / winter boots / traction cleats

Phrases (Ask forecast → plan clothes)

  • What’s the forecast today and what does it feel like with windchill/humidex?
  • Do I need a waterproof shell or is an umbrella enough?
  • Is it icy this morning—should I wear boots with good grip?
  • What’s the UV index around noon—do I need sunscreen?

Contextual Examples (Natural, everyday)

  • Morning plan: High of 5°C, feels like -1 with wind—I’ll wear a base layer, fleece, and a shell.
  • Summer: Humidex 32light fabrics, hat, sunscreen, water bottle.
  • Rainy day: “Showers all afternoon”—waterproof jacket and boots over an umbrella.

Collocations & Phrases (bold the key words)

Forecast & feel

  • check the hourly forecast
  • note the windchill/humidex
  • watch the UV index
  • prepare for precipitation

Clothing

  • build layers
  • pack a shell
  • choose insulated boots
  • carry gloves/toque

Safety

  • avoid black ice
  • apply sunscreen
  • stay hydrated

Canadian Cultural Context (How to sound natural & polite)

  • Layers beat heavy single pieces; indoor spaces can be warm even when it’s cold outside.
  • Windchill and humidex change how it feels—dress for that, not just the number.
  • Sun is strong in spring/summer—mind the UV index even when it’s cool.

Extra Mini-Patterns (plug-and-play)

  • Quick ask: What does it feel like with windchill, and will it rain before 6?”
  • Wardrobe: Is a light jacket enough, or should I bring a shell?”
  • UV: What’s the UV index at noon—hat and sunscreen needed?”
Previous
Government & Forms - Emergency Services (911 & Non-Emergency)
Next
Weather & Environment - Wildfire Smoke, Heat & Air Quality