95 Best Weather Vocabulary Words to Talk About Weather for All Levels

If you want your ESL students to talk confidently about the weather, this is the best weather vocabulary resource you’ll find anywhere. Weather is something everyone talks about every day — it’s simple, interesting, and connects people. That’s why learning the right weather words can open up so many chances for your students to practice English in real life.

This post gives you 95 essential weather words sorted by three levels — beginner, intermediate, and advanced — so you can easily pick the right ones for your class. But it’s not just a list. With clear pronunciation, meanings, and example sentences, this resource helps students really understand and use these words.

Imagine your students chatting naturally about the weather, asking each other fun questions, using common expressions and idioms, or acting out lively role-plays. You can even spice up your lessons with a weather-themed debate that gets everyone talking and thinking. This kind of variety makes learning memorable and enjoyable.

Whether you’re planning conversations, teaching questions, or preparing activities, this post gives you everything you need. It’s designed to make your ESL weather lessons easy to teach and exciting for your students to learn. Keep reading — your best weather vocabulary teaching tool is right here!

Why Weather Vocabulary Is Important in ESL Learning

Weather is something people talk about every day. It is an easy and common topic that helps learners practice English in real situations. Knowing weather vocabulary helps students understand what others say about the weather and talk about their own experiences.

Weather words are useful for all skill levels. Beginners can start with simple words like “rain” and “sun,” while advanced learners can use words like “precipitation” or “climate.” This makes weather vocabulary a great way to build language step by step.

Talking about the weather also helps students join conversations and connect with others. It gives them a natural way to practice speaking and listening. When students know weather vocabulary well, they feel more confident and motivated to use English outside the classroom.

Beginner Weather Vocabulary (A1-A2)

Starting with beginner weather vocabulary helps ESL learners build a solid foundation. These simple words describe basic weather conditions and common items related to the weather.

Knowing these words makes it easier for students to talk about the weather in everyday conversations. This list is perfect for new learners who want to improve their speaking and listening skills with practical, easy-to-understand terms.

1. Sun

IPA: /sʌn/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: The star that lights and warms the Earth.
Example Sentence: The sun was bright and warm all afternoon.

2. Rain

IPA: /reɪn/
Part of Speech: Noun / Verb
Meaning: Water that falls from clouds in drops.
Example Sentence: It started to rain just before we went outside.

3. Wind

IPA: /wɪnd/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: Moving air that you can feel.
Example Sentence: The wind blew the leaves across the yard.

4. Snow

IPA: /snəʊ/
Part of Speech: Noun / Verb
Meaning: Soft white flakes of frozen water that fall from clouds.
Example Sentence: It will snow tonight, so classes may be canceled.

5. Hot

IPA: /hɒt/
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Having a high temperature; very warm.
Example Sentence: August is usually hot in our city.

6. Cold

IPA: /kəʊld/
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Having a low temperature; not warm.
Example Sentence: My hands feel cold in the morning air.

7. Cloud

IPA: /klaʊd/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A white or gray mass of tiny water drops floating in the sky.
Example Sentence: A dark cloud covered the sun.

8. Fog

IPA: /fɒɡ/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: Thick, low cloud near the ground that makes it hard to see.
Example Sentence: The airport closed due to heavy fog.

9. Storm

IPA: /stɔːm/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: Bad weather with strong wind, rain, or snow.
Example Sentence: We stayed inside during the storm.

10. Thunder

IPA: /ˈθʌn.dər/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: The loud sound that follows lightning in a storm.
Example Sentence: The thunder shook the windows last night.

11. Lightning

IPA: /ˈlaɪt.nɪŋ/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A bright flash of electricity in the sky during a storm.
Example Sentence: Lightning lit up the whole sky.

12. Warm

IPA: /wɔːm/
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Comfortably high in temperature, neither hot nor cold.
Example Sentence: The water is warm enough to swim in June.

13. Cool

IPA: /kuːl/
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Slightly cold in a pleasant way.
Example Sentence: The evening breeze feels cool after a hot day.

14. Dry

IPA: /draɪ/
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: With little or no water or moisture.
Example Sentence: The desert air is very dry.

15. Wet

IPA: /wet/
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Covered with or full of water.
Example Sentence: My shoes are wet from walking in the puddles.

16. Sunny

IPA: /ˈsʌn.i/
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Bright with sunshine and no clouds.
Example Sentence: It was a sunny day, perfect for a picnic.

17. Rainy

IPA: /ˈreɪ.ni/
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Having or bringing a lot of rain.
Example Sentence: We stayed indoors on the rainy afternoon.

18. Cloudy

IPA: /ˈklaʊ.di/
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Covered with clouds; not clear.
Example Sentence: It was too cloudy to see the sunset.

19. Windy

IPA: /ˈwɪn.di/
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: With a lot of wind blowing.
Example Sentence: It’s too windy to ride a bicycle today.

20. Snowy

IPA: /ˈsnəʊ.i/
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Having a lot of snow.
Example Sentence: We made a snowman on the snowy hill.

21. Stormy

IPA: /ˈstɔː.mi/
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: With a lot of wind, rain, or bad weather.
Example Sentence: The sea was rough on that stormy night.

22. Weather

IPA: /ˈweð.ər/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: The condition of the air outside (hot, cold, wet, dry, etc.).
Example Sentence: The weather is nice for a walk today.

23. Temperature

IPA: /ˈtem.pər.ə.tʃər/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: How hot or cold something is.
Example Sentence: The temperature dropped below zero last night.

24. Sky

IPA: /skaɪ/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: The space above the Earth that you can see.
Example Sentence: The sky turned orange during sunset.

25. Ice

IPA: /aɪs/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: Frozen water.
Example Sentence: Be careful, the road is covered in ice.

26. Freeze

IPA: /friːz/
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To become very cold and turn into ice.
Example Sentence: Water will freeze at zero degrees.

27. Melt

IPA: /melt/
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To change from solid to liquid because of heat.
Example Sentence: The snow began to melt in the sun.

28. Coat

IPA: /kəʊt/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A piece of clothing worn to keep warm.
Example Sentence: Don’t forget your coat—it’s cold outside!

29. Umbrella

IPA: /ʌmˈbrel.ə/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A thing you carry to protect yourself from rain.
Example Sentence: I always keep an umbrella in my bag.

30. Boots

IPA: /buːts/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: Shoes that cover the ankle and lower leg.
Example Sentence: He wore boots to walk through the snow.

Intermediate Weather Vocabulary (B1)

Intermediate weather vocabulary expands students’ ability to describe weather more clearly and in detail. At this level, learners can understand and use words for different weather patterns, tools, and natural events.

These words help students participate in conversations about the weather, follow weather forecasts, and understand common expressions. This list supports learners who want to speak confidently about weather changes and experiences.

31. Drizzle

IPA: /ˈdrɪz.əl/
Part of Speech: Noun / Verb
Meaning: Light rain falling in very small drops.
Example Sentence: It was only a drizzle, so I didn’t use my umbrella.

32. Hail

IPA: /heɪl/
Part of Speech: Noun / Verb
Meaning: Small balls of ice that fall like rain.
Example Sentence: We heard the hail hitting the roof during the storm.

33. Breeze

IPA: /briːz/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A light and gentle wind.
Example Sentence: A cool breeze made the hot day feel better.

34. Gale

IPA: /ɡeɪl/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A very strong wind.
Example Sentence: The gale blew off some roof tiles.

35. Mist

IPA: /mɪst/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: Light fog that makes the air look blurry.
Example Sentence: Mist covered the hills in the morning.

36. Frost

IPA: /frɒst/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A thin layer of ice on surfaces when it’s very cold.
Example Sentence: There was frost on the grass at dawn.

37. Humid

IPA: /ˈhjuː.mɪd/
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: The air feels hot and full of moisture.
Example Sentence: It’s very humid today—I’m sweating a lot.

38. Chilly

IPA: /ˈtʃɪl.i/
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: A little cold in a way that is not comfortable.
Example Sentence: It’s a bit chilly—bring a jacket.

39. Shower (rain)

IPA: /ˈʃaʊ.ər/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A short period of light to moderate rain.
Example Sentence: A quick shower passed before the sun came back.

40. Thunderstorm

IPA: /ˈθʌn.də.stɔːm/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A storm with thunder, lightning, and rain.
Example Sentence: The thunderstorm kept us awake all night.

41. Forecast

IPA: /ˈfɔː.kɑːst/
Part of Speech: Noun / Verb
Meaning: A report about what the weather will be like.
Example Sentence: The forecast says it will rain tomorrow.

42. Degrees

IPA: /dɪˈɡriːz/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A unit for measuring temperature.
Example Sentence: It’s 30 degrees outside—very hot!

43. Overcast

IPA: /ˈəʊ.və.kɑːst/
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Cloudy and grey with no sun.
Example Sentence: The sky is overcast today—looks like rain.

44. Rainfall

IPA: /ˈreɪn.fɔːl/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: The amount of rain that falls in a period of time.
Example Sentence: The rainfall this month broke records.

45. Drought

IPA: /draʊt/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A long period with little or no rain.
Example Sentence: The crops died during the drought.

46. Sleet

IPA: /sliːt/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A mix of rain and snow falling together.
Example Sentence: Sleet made the roads slippery.

47. Heatwave

IPA: /ˈhiːt.weɪv/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A long period of very hot weather.
Example Sentence: We stayed indoors during the heatwave.

48. Windchill

IPA: /ˈwɪnd.tʃɪl/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: The way the wind makes the air feel colder.
Example Sentence: It’s -2°C, but the windchill makes it feel colder.

49. Barometer

IPA: /bəˈrɒm.ɪ.tər/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A tool used to measure air pressure.
Example Sentence: The barometer dropped before the storm began.

50. Pressure

IPA: /ˈpreʃ.ər/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: The force of the air in the atmosphere.
Example Sentence: High pressure often means clear weather.

51. Visibility

IPA: /ˌvɪz.əˈbɪl.ə.ti/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: How far you can see, especially in weather.
Example Sentence: Fog reduced visibility on the highway.

52. Partly Cloudy

IPA: /ˈpɑːt.li ˈklaʊ.di/
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: When the sky has some clouds but also clear areas.
Example Sentence: Tomorrow will be partly cloudy and warm.

53. Scattered Showers

IPA: /ˈskæt.əd ˈʃaʊ.ərz/
Part of Speech: Noun (plural)
Meaning: Light rain in some areas, not everywhere.
Example Sentence: Scattered showers are expected in the afternoon.

54. Snowflake

IPA: /ˈsnəʊ.fleɪk/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A single piece of falling snow.
Example Sentence: A snowflake landed on her hand.

55. Snowstorm

IPA: /ˈsnəʊ.stɔːm/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A strong storm with heavy snowfall.
Example Sentence: The snowstorm blocked the roads.

56. Icy

IPA: /ˈaɪ.si/
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Covered with or made of ice.
Example Sentence: Be careful—the steps are icy.

57. Forecast

IPA: /ˈfɔː.kɑːst/
Part of Speech: Noun / Verb
Meaning: A prediction of future weather.
Example Sentence: I checked the forecast before our trip.

58. Sunrise

IPA: /ˈsʌn.raɪz/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: The time in the morning when the sun comes up.
Example Sentence: We woke up early to see the sunrise.

59. Sunset

IPA: /ˈsʌn.set/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: The time in the evening when the sun goes down.
Example Sentence: The sunset was orange and beautiful.

60. Atmosphere

IPA: /ˈæt.mə.sfɪər/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: The air or gases around the Earth.
Example Sentence: The Earth’s atmosphere protects us from the sun.

Advanced Weather Vocabulary (B2-C1)

Advanced weather vocabulary introduces specialized and scientific terms used in meteorology and climate discussions. These words help learners understand detailed weather reports, environmental topics, and natural disasters.

Knowing this vocabulary is essential for students who want to engage in in-depth conversations about weather patterns, climate change, and extreme weather events. This list is designed for learners aiming for fluency and accuracy in complex weather-related topics.

61. Precipitation

IPA: /prɪˌsɪp.ɪˈteɪ.ʃən/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: Any form of water falling from the sky, like rain, snow, or hail.
Example Sentence: Precipitation levels were higher than usual this year.

62. Condensation

IPA: /ˌkɒn.denˈseɪ.ʃən/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: When water vapor cools and changes into liquid drops.
Example Sentence: Condensation formed on the cold window.

63. Evaporation

IPA: /ɪˌvæp.əˈreɪ.ʃən/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: When water turns into vapor and rises into the air.
Example Sentence: Evaporation happens faster on hot days.

64. Meteorology

IPA: /ˌmiː.ti.əˈrɒl.ə.dʒi/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: The science of studying weather and atmosphere.
Example Sentence: She studied meteorology at university.

65. Meteorologist

IPA: /ˌmiː.ti.əˈrɒl.ə.dʒɪst/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A person who studies or predicts the weather.
Example Sentence: The meteorologist warned of a severe storm.

66. Cumulonimbus

IPA: /ˌkjuː.mjʊ.ləʊˈnɪm.bəs/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A large, tall cloud that produces thunderstorms.
Example Sentence: The cumulonimbus cloud brought heavy rain and thunder.

67. Stratus

IPA: /ˈstreɪ.təs/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A low, gray cloud covering the sky like a blanket.
Example Sentence: Stratus clouds made the day feel gloomy.

68. Cirrus

IPA: /ˈsɪr.əs/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: Thin, wispy clouds high in the sky.
Example Sentence: Cirrus clouds often mean the weather will change.

69. Climate

IPA: /ˈklaɪ.mət/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: The usual weather in a place over many years.
Example Sentence: The climate in the desert is very dry and hot.

70. Monsoon

IPA: /mɒnˈsuːn/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A seasonal wind bringing heavy rain in some countries.
Example Sentence: The monsoon season lasts from June to September.

71. Typhoon

IPA: /taɪˈfuːn/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A violent tropical storm in the Pacific Ocean.
Example Sentence: The typhoon caused severe damage in the city.

72. Hurricane

IPA: /ˈhʌr.ɪ.keɪn/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A powerful storm with strong winds, usually in the Atlantic.
Example Sentence: The hurricane forced thousands to evacuate.

73. Cyclone

IPA: /ˈsaɪ.kləʊn/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A system of winds rotating around a low-pressure center.
Example Sentence: The cyclone hit the coastal town last night.

74. Blizzard

IPA: /ˈblɪz.əd/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A severe snowstorm with strong winds and low visibility.
Example Sentence: The blizzard trapped cars on the highway.

75. Temperature Inversion

IPA: /ˈtem.pər.ə.tʃər ɪnˈvɜːr.ʒən/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: When warm air traps cold air near the ground, causing pollution.
Example Sentence: Temperature inversion caused the city’s smog problem.

76. Heat Index

IPA: /hiːt ˈɪn.deks/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A measure of how hot it feels combining temperature and humidity.
Example Sentence: The heat index was 40°C, making it dangerous to be outside.

77. Cold Front

IPA: /kəʊld frʌnt/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A weather front where cold air pushes warm air up.
Example Sentence: A cold front brought cooler temperatures and rain.

78. Warm Front

IPA: /wɔːm frʌnt/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A weather front where warm air rises over cold air.
Example Sentence: The warm front caused cloudy skies and light rain.

79. Occluded Front

IPA: /əˈkluː.dɪd frʌnt/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: When a cold front catches up with a warm front.
Example Sentence: The occluded front brought complex weather changes.

80. Low Pressure

IPA: /loʊ ˈpreʃ.ər/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: An area where the atmospheric pressure is lower than surrounding areas, often causing storms.
Example Sentence: Low pressure systems often bring rain and wind.

81. High Pressure

IPA: /haɪ ˈpreʃ.ər/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: An area where atmospheric pressure is higher, usually causing clear skies.
Example Sentence: High pressure means sunny and calm weather.

82. Atmospheric Pressure

IPA: /ˌæt.məˈsfɛr.ɪk ˈpreʃ.ər/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: The force exerted by the weight of the air above.
Example Sentence: Changes in atmospheric pressure affect the weather.

83. El Niño

IPA: /ɛl ˈniː.njəʊ/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A climate pattern causing warm ocean currents in the Pacific.
Example Sentence: El Niño can cause extreme weather worldwide.

84. La Niña

IPA: /lɑː ˈniː.njə/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A climate pattern causing cooler ocean currents in the Pacific.
Example Sentence: La Niña often leads to wetter conditions in some areas.

85. Ultraviolet

IPA: /ˌʌl.trəˈvaɪ.ə.lɪt/
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: A type of light from the sun that can cause sunburn.
Example Sentence: Use sunscreen to protect against ultraviolet rays.

86. Wind Shear

IPA: /wɪnd ʃɪər/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A sudden change in wind speed or direction.
Example Sentence: Wind shear can be dangerous for airplanes during takeoff.

87. Dew Point

IPA: /djuː pɔɪnt/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: The temperature at which air becomes full of moisture and dew forms.
Example Sentence: The dew point was high, making the air feel sticky.

88. Air Mass

IPA: /ɛər mæs/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A large body of air with uniform temperature and humidity.
Example Sentence: The cold air mass brought freezing temperatures.

89. Storm Surge

IPA: /stɔːrm sɜːrdʒ/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A rise in sea level caused by a storm’s strong winds.
Example Sentence: The storm surge flooded coastal areas during the hurricane.

90. Weather Advisory

IPA: /ˈweð.ər ədˈvaɪzəri/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A warning issued about dangerous weather conditions.
Example Sentence: The weather advisory warned of heavy snowfall.

91. Flash Flood

IPA: /flæʃ flʌd/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A sudden and intense flood caused by heavy rain.
Example Sentence: The flash flood surprised residents and caused damage.

92. Frostbite

IPA: /ˈfrɒst.baɪt/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: Injury to skin caused by extreme cold.
Example Sentence: Frostbite can happen quickly if you don’t wear gloves.

93. Hypothermia

IPA: /ˌhaɪ.pəˈθɜːr.mi.ə/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A dangerous condition when the body temperature is too low.
Example Sentence: Hypothermia is a risk during long exposure to cold weather.

94. Whiteout

IPA: /ˈwaɪt.aʊt/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: When heavy snow and wind make it impossible to see.
Example Sentence: The whiteout conditions made driving very dangerous.

95. Microclimate

IPA: /ˈmaɪ.krəʊˌklaɪ.mət/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: The climate of a small, specific area that differs from the surrounding area.
Example Sentence: The garden has its own microclimate, warmer than the rest of the city.

Tips to Remember and Use Weather Vocabulary Confidently

Start a weather journal. Ask students to write one sentence about today’s weather each morning. Seeing words in context every day helps lock in new weather vocabulary.

Create a daily forecast role-play. Students take turns acting as TV weather reporters. This fun activity lets them practice pronunciation and fluency with weather vocabulary.

Build a word wall or “Weather Corner” in class. Pin up new words with pictures or icons. Learners will see and review these terms every time they enter the room.

Use mnemonic images. For “cumulonimbus,” show a cloud building blocks—this visual link makes the word stick. Encourage students to draw their own memory pictures.

Play weather vocabulary bingo. Make cards with target words instead of numbers. Bingo calls turn into active listening practice for weather terms.

Integrate real tech tools. Have learners check a weather app and read the forecast aloud. This connects classroom words with the real-world weather vocabulary they see daily.

Record a weather diary vlog. Students film a short video describing the day’s weather. Posting or sharing these videos motivates them to use weather vocabulary more confidently.

Introduce a “Weather Idiom of the Week.” Teach expressions like “under the weather” or “raining cats and dogs.” Idioms build curiosity and deepen understanding of weather vocabulary.

Run a scavenger hunt around school or home. Give clues like “find something wet,” “spot a cloud shape,” or “track wind direction.” Physical movement makes weather words memorable.

Host a mini weather debate. Pose a question like “Which is better: snowy winters or sunny summers?” Debates force students to use advanced weather vocabulary in argument and rebuttal.

Conclusion

Weather vocabulary is an essential part of learning English. It helps students talk about everyday life and join simple or complex conversations with ease.

By learning weather words step by step—from beginner to advanced—students can improve their speaking and listening skills naturally.

Using this vocabulary in class makes lessons more interesting and practical. Teachers can create many fun activities that keep students engaged and confident in using English.

FAQs about using weather vocabulary in ESL class

How can I introduce weather vocabulary to beginners?
Start with simple and common words like sun, rain, and wind. Use pictures, gestures, and real-life examples to make the meaning clear. Practice pronunciation and use example sentences.

What are some good activities to practice weather vocabulary?
You can use role-plays, question and answer sessions, matching games, or weather forecasts. These activities help students use the words naturally.

How do I help students remember new weather words?
Use the words regularly in class and encourage students to talk about the weather every day. Using idioms and common expressions related to weather also helps.

Can weather vocabulary be used for all skill levels?
Yes! There are easy words for beginners and more complex words for advanced learners. This makes weather vocabulary perfect for mixed-level classes.

How can I encourage students to speak more about the weather?
Ask open questions like “What’s the weather like today?” or “What’s your favorite season?” Encourage students to describe the weather using the new vocabulary.

Is it useful to teach weather idioms along with vocabulary?
Yes, idioms make language more natural and fun. Teaching idioms like “under the weather” or “raining cats and dogs” can motivate students to use English more creatively.

How often should weather vocabulary be reviewed in class?
Regular review is important. Try to include weather words in daily conversations or short warm-up activities to help students remember them.

Can weather vocabulary be linked to other topics?
Absolutely! You can connect weather vocabulary with seasons, clothing, travel, and environment topics to create more meaningful lessons.

What role do weather conversations play in language learning?
Weather conversations are low-pressure and common, making them perfect for building confidence in speaking and listening.

How can I assess students’ understanding of weather vocabulary?
Use quizzes, speaking tasks, or have students describe the weather in their town. Practical use shows true understanding better than memorization alone.