weather

　　1.How is the weather today?

　　It’s really lovely today. There were a few showers this morning and it was a bit chilly, but it has brightened up this afternoon and I think it will stay that way for the rest of the day.

　　2.What’s your favourite kind of weather?

　　It depends what I’m doing really. If I’m doing something outside, I like the weather to be sunny but not too hot because it gets a bit uncomfortable after a while. If I’m inside, I love listening to the rain beating against the window and the wind howling outside.

　　3.What is the climate like in your country?

　　I’m from Ireland, so the thing people always complain about is the rain. It is right on the edge of Europe so we get lots of rain rolling in off the Atlantic. However, because we are an island it means that we don’t get very harsh winters and it hardly ever snows. I think temperate is the word to describe our climate- not too hot, not too cold.

　　4.Does the weather effect people’s lives in your country?

　　Yes, very much so. In the winter it is really grey all the time and it gets dark very early in the afternoon. The lack of sunlight leads to some people getting a bit depressed and I imagine that’s why people drink much more wine and whiskey in the winter to cope with how dull everything is.

　　5.Do people change in the summer?

　　Absolutely, as soon as the sun starts to shine and it gets warmer, people start to have barbecues, do more outdoor activities and are generally happier. Unfortunately, it doesn’t last very long but people definitely make the most of it while the weather is good.

　　6.Is there any type of weather you really don’t like?

　　I don’t mind when it’s raining or windy and I don’t mind when it’s cold, but when it’s cold, windy and raining all that the same time, well that’s horrible, especially if you have to work or do something outside. I remember when we were at school we would have to go outside in horrible weather to do P.E. and I detested every minute of it.

　　7.Does bad weather ever effect transport in your country?

　　As I said before, it rarely snows, but when it does the transportation system collapses. People are just not used to driving in the snow and the whole country pretty much grinds to a halt. Buses and trains normally stop running completely until the snow thaws.

　　8. Is it worse to feel too hot or too cold?

　　Well, I suppose if it’s too cold you can just wear more layers, but nevertheless I prefer to be too hot. At least it means the weather is good, and you can always go for a swim to cool down. What I really can’t stand is being cold and wet. That’s the worst combination and it makes me worry that I’m going to catch a cold.

　　9.Does the weather affect your mood?

　　Yes... Cold, gloomy days put me in a bad mood. I love summertime, when it's warm and sunny.

　　10.What is your favourite season?

　　Well, I think it's spring... The weather is very pleasant and it's nice to see everything come back to life and blossom.

　　11.Do you always pay attention to the weather forecast?

　　Yes, as Beijing is facing more and more oppressive haze, I always keep a watchful eye on the weather forecast. I installed an app in my mobile phone, and see the indicator of PM 2.5. It has been a routine for me.