When it comes to learning Afrikaans, expanding your vocabulary is crucial to becoming fluent in the language. If you’re planning to visit South Africa or simply want to engage with Afrikaans speakers, you’ll find it immensely helpful to know words related to the weather. Here’s a list of weather-related Afrikaans vocabulary that will help you describe the climate, forecast, and your plans according to the weather.

Weer
Weer means weather in Afrikaans, and it’s the starting point for any weather-related conversation.
Wat is die weer vandag? (What is the weather today?)

Son
Son translates to sun. Afrikaans speakers would use this word when referring to a sunny day or when the sun is particularly strong.
Die son skyn helder vandag. (The sun is shining brightly today.)

Reën
Reën is the term for rain. When it’s raining, you can say it’s raining using this word.
Dit gaan vandag reën, moenie jou sambreel vergeet nie. (It’s going to rain today, don’t forget your umbrella.)

Wolk
Wolk translates to cloud. When describing a cloudy sky, this is the word you’ll use.
Daar is baie wolke in die lug. (There are many clouds in the sky.)

Wind
Wind remains the same in English and Afrikaans. This word is used to discuss anything related to the wind.
Die wind waai sterk vandag buite. (The wind is blowing strongly outside today.)

Storm
Storm refers to a storm, which can imply heavy rain, thunder, wind, or a combination of these elements.
Daar is ‘n storm op pad hierheen. (There is a storm on its way here.)

Sonskyn
Sonskyn means sunshine. When the sun is shining and the day is bright, you can use this word.
Dit is heerlike sonskyn buite. (It is lovely sunshine outside.)

Mis
Mis translates to mist or fog. Used when there is misty or foggy weather and visibility is low.
Wees versigtig op die pad, dit is baie mistig. (Be careful on the road, it’s very foggy.)

Sneeu
Sneeu means snow, and it’s used when referring to snowfall or the presence of snow on the ground.
Kyk, dit sneeu! Ons kan môre sneeumanne maak. (Look, it’s snowing! We can make snowmen tomorrow.)

Temperatuur
Temperatuur is the term for temperature. This word is essential to describe how hot or cold it is.
Die temperatuur is vandag baie hoog. (The temperature is very high today.)

Koud
Koud means cold. It describes the temperature and can be used to discuss the weather or how you feel.
Brrr, dit is vandag bitter koud! (Brrr, it’s bitterly cold today!)

Warm
Warm has the same meaning as in English. This word is used to describe the weather when the temperature is high.
Dit is vandag heerlik warm, kom ons gaan swem. (It is pleasantly warm today, let’s go swimming.)

Hittegolf
Hittegolf means heatwave, a period of excessively hot weather.
Daar word hierdie week ‘n hittegolf verwag. (A heatwave is expected this week.)

Weervoorspelling
Weervoorspelling is the forecast of the weather. When you’re looking for the weather forecast, you’d consult a weervoorspelling.
Wat sê die weervoorspelling vir môre? (What does the weather forecast say for tomorrow?)

By learning this essential weather-related Afrikaans vocabulary, you’ll be better equipped to engage in conversations about the weather, plan your daily activities accordingly, and understand weather reports in Afrikaans-speaking regions. Weather is a universal topic, and having these words in your arsenal will only enhance your language skills and confidence when communicating in Afrikaans.