28 - Weather

Question 1

to say the least

Answer 1

used to say that sth is much worse or more serious than you are saying

Question 2

bitterly cold

Answer 2

extremely cold
e.g.
It’s been bitterly cold this winter.

Question 3

mild

Answer 3

during cold weather, warmer than you expect

Question 4

spell

Answer 4

a short period of time
e.g.
1. a spell of hot/cold weather
2. After a brief spell in the army, I returned to teaching.

Question 5

humid

Answer 5

warm and slightly wet

Question 6

dull (of the weather)

Answer 6

not bright, with a lot of clouds

Question 7

chilly

Answer 7

too cold to feel comfortable

Question 8

torrential rain

Answer 8

very heavy rain
syn: downpour
e.g.
We had torrential rain this morning.

Question 9

scattered shower

Answer 9

rain spread over a large area or happening several times during a period of time
e.g.
We’ve had scattered showers today.

Question 10

closely

Answer 10

carefully and with interest

Question 11

dependent (on sth/sb)

Answer 11

needing sth/sb to support you
e.g.
Farmers are obviously dependent on weather forecast for the success of their crops.

Question 12

heatwave

Answer 12

a period of unusually hot weather
e.g.
A heatwave can eventually lead to water shortages and drought.

Question 13

shortage

Answer 13

a situation where there is not enough of sth.
OPP: surplus

Question 14

drought

Answer 14

a long period without rain

Question 15

blizzard

Answer 15

a bad storm with strong winds and a lot of snow

Question 16

come to a standstill

Answer 16

reach a situation in which all activity or movement has stopped.
also: bring sth to a standstill
e.g.
When there is heavy snow and blizzards, traffic comes to a standstill.

Question 17

widespread

Answer 17

found or happening over a large area
widespread damage
e.g.
Today’s storm caused widespread damage to a number of houses.

Question 18

disruption

Answer 18

a situation in which it is difficult for sth to continue in a normal way

Question 19

gale

Answer 19

a very strong wind