dire weather

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dire weather" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe extremely severe or urgent weather conditions that may pose a threat or danger. Example: "The forecast predicts dire weather, including heavy storms and possible flooding, so residents are advised to stay indoors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Should the leave have even attempted to play the match in the face of a dire weather forecast?

The New York Times

Mr. Obama's initial decision to go to Florida on Sunday night in the face of dire weather attests to the political pressures he is facing.

The New York Times

Fans must have known the dire weather report before they arrived; many gave up early and streamed out of the track quickly.

The New York Times - Sports

Team Malaysia and Team France overcame dire weather conditions to win in the opening round of the 2008-09 atGP season at Zandvoort in the Netherlands.

The Guardian - Sport

Sunday's program was better, but a dire weather forecast -- the festival narrowly avoided the storm path -- limited the ticket sales to a little over 5,000.

The New York Times - Arts

Sure enough, Chao filled the Fòrum (better known as the venue for Primavera Sound) to its 60,000 limit, despite forecasts of dire weather.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

We are inviting readers to share their stories of how the people around them made it through the storm — people who stepped up to lead recovery efforts, who weathered the dire conditions in one of the region's blacked-out areas, or even those lost to the storm.

The New York Times

There is no one simple answer, and we know that extreme weather patterns exacerbate dire conditions in these countries.

Huffington Post

Over 110,000 of refugee children and their families face extreme weather conditions as increasingly dire conditions are reported at informal tented settlements and collective shelters.

Unicef

Over 110,000 of refugee children and their families face extreme weather conditions as increasingly dire conditions are reported Launch of "Profile of Children in Malaysia - The Implementation of Children's Rights with Equity" - Keynote address by Datuk Dr. Rahamat Bivi bt.

Unicef

The dire forecasts — weather and otherwise — that were supposed to rattle the United States Open field seemed to pass Sunday with little of the expected doom and gloom.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dire weather" to emphasize the potential for significant negative consequences, such as travel disruptions or safety concerns. This phrase is most impactful when specific risks are involved.

Common error

Avoid using "dire weather" to describe mildly unpleasant weather conditions. This phrase is reserved for situations where there is a genuine risk of danger or severe disruption.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dire weather" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "dire" modifies the noun "weather". It's used to describe weather conditions that are extremely serious or dangerous. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dire weather" is used to describe severely dangerous weather conditions. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct. It is most commonly used in news and media contexts to warn about potentially hazardous situations. While not extremely common, its use is appropriate when emphasizing the seriousness of the weather. Consider alternatives like "severe weather conditions" or "extreme weather events" depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Avoid overusing the phrase for mild or inconsequential weather.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

severe weather conditions

Focuses on the intensity and harshness of the weather.

extreme weather events

Emphasizes the unusual and potentially dangerous nature of the weather.

hazardous weather

Highlights the potential risks and dangers associated with the weather.

inclement weather

Describes weather that is unpleasant and unfavorable.

adverse weather

Implies unfavorable or harmful weather conditions.

threatening weather

Suggests an impending danger or risk due to the weather.

frightful weather

Highlights the alarming and scary nature of the weather.

atrocious weather

Emphasizes the extremely poor quality of the weather.

appalling weather conditions

Highlights how shocking and terrible the weather is.

harsh weather

Focuses on the rough and unforgiving nature of the weather.

FAQs

How can I use "dire weather" in a sentence?

You can use "dire weather" to describe situations where the weather poses a significant threat. For example: "Due to the "dire weather", all flights have been cancelled."

What are some alternatives to "dire weather"?

Alternatives include "severe weather conditions", "extreme weather events", or "hazardous weather". The best choice depends on the specific context and the aspect of the weather you want to emphasize.

Is "dire weather" formal or informal?

"Dire weather" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's often found in news reports and official advisories. It's more impactful than simply saying "bad weather".

What makes weather "dire"?

Weather becomes "dire" when it poses a significant risk to safety, property, or essential services. This might include heavy storms, flooding, extreme temperatures, or other hazardous conditions.