Everyone talks about the weather. Here are the lessons a divided society can learn from it.
Weather forecast widget icon set paper cut style. Vector illustration. 3d mobile app ui design, daily application template, climate cartoon sign. Thunderstorm, rain, sunny day, fog, winter snow, nightAs an atmospheric scientist and professor, I talk about the weather all of the time.
When someone finds out my profession, they usually want to talk to me about it too. They will share their insights on weather forecasts, climate change, almanacs, groundhogs and more. Weather is often a topic of "small talk" among friends and strangers alike. With such wide divisions, here are 3 things that broader society can learn from weather small talk. People have ice-cream on a sunny day at a park in London, Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Everyone experiences the weather. It is one of the reasons people often feel comfortable engaging with meteorologists and climate scientists but are less likely to challenge or question a nuclear physicist. Though meteorology and climate science are also very quantitative scientific fields, most people do not see fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, calculus, and chemistry. They see clouds, aching knees as rain approaches, or the passing of a cold front. The lesson is that no matter what political, religious, cultural, or geographic marinades we come from, there is always "common ground." At a time when people default to differences, weather talk demonstrates that civilized conversations among different people are possible. PUNXSUTAWNEY, PA - FEBRUARY 2: Groundhog handler AJ Dereume holds Punxsutawney Phil after he did not see his shadow predicting an early Spring during the 138th annual Groundhog Day festivities on Friday February 2, 2024 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Groundhog Day is a popular tradition in the United States and Canada. Over 40,000 people spent a night of revelry awaiting the sunrise and the groundhog's exit from his winter den. If Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow he regards it as an omen of six more weeks of bad weather and returns to his den. Early spring arrives if he does not see his shadow, causing Phil to remain above ground. Because weather is a common denominator with all people, it provides a starting point for conversations. Many of us have been on awkward dates, in professional settings with strangers, or randomly thrusted into an unfamiliar social environment. What do you say? It always feels safe to talk about the cold snap coming next week or the power of Hurricane Melissa. When I meet someone for the first time, I often ask where they are from. The lesson is that "seedling" conversations offer the potential for rich, deeper discussions. In turn, such engagement might establish friendships, better understanding of differing viewpoints, or an agreement to disagree civilly. Weather talk reduced inhibitions and has been referred to as a “social lubricant.”Here in Georgia and throughout much of the southeastern U.S., temperatures are going to be very cold starting next week. There could even be a few early November snowflakes flying around in the mountains. Everyone will be affected by the cold weather. Have you serviced the HVAC system? Do you have enough firewood? Will your college-aged son wear appropriate clothing or still try to wear shorts? Weather affects our lives individually or as communities. The lesson is that weather, like tragic events, can create a sense of community that temporarily dissolves individual or self-centered perspectives. IN SPACE, CARIBBEAN SEA - OCTOBER 26: In this handout satellite image provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration , Hurricane Melissa strengthens into a Category 4 storm as it churns northwest through the Caribbean Sea captured at 7:40Z on October 26, 2025. Hurricane Melissa has intensified into a Category 4 hurricane and could further develop into a Category 5 as it approaches Jamaica, according to the National Hurricane Center.
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3 Lessons Society Could Learn From Small Talk About WeatherEveryone talks about the weather. Here are the lessons a divided society can learn from it.
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