weather signal: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Technical / Formal
Quick answer
What does “weather signal” mean?
A sign or indicator related to atmospheric conditions.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A sign or indicator related to atmospheric conditions.
A formal notification or system for communicating meteorological warnings or information, such as storm flags or broadcast alerts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference; usage context identical. Slight preference for 'storm signal' in some UK maritime contexts.
Connotations
Associated with official meteorological services and safety protocols in both variants.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK regional coastal reporting; more common in US aviation and severe weather alerts.
Grammar
How to Use “weather signal” in a Sentence
A weather signal [for gales] was hoisted.The service issued a weather signal.To act on a weather signal.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “weather signal” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The coastguard will signal severe weather by hoisting flags.
- The Met Office signalled the approach of the gale.
American English
- The National Weather Service will signal a tornado threat via sirens.
- The station signalled an incoming blizzard.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable (no standard adverbial form).
American English
- Not applicable (no standard adverbial form).
adjective
British English
- The weather-signal system is crucial for port safety.
- They followed the weather-signal protocol.
American English
- The weather-signal flags were clearly visible.
- A weather-signal advisory was in effect.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in logistics or outdoor event planning ('The forecast was our weather signal to postpone').
Academic
Used in geography, environmental science, and maritime studies.
Everyday
Uncommon; typically replaced by 'weather warning' or 'alert'.
Technical
Core term in meteorology, aviation, and maritime operations for formal warnings.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “weather signal”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “weather signal”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “weather signal”
- Using 'weather signal' for general weather forecasts (too specific).
- Misspelling as 'whether signal'.
- Using in informal contexts where 'warning' or 'alert' is more natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A forecast is a prediction. A signal is a specific warning or alert based on that prediction, often for imminent danger.
Yes, especially in formal or literary contexts to mean an early sign of significant change (e.g., 'The protest was a weather signal for political upheaval').
Flags, cones, or lights used at ports and beaches. For example, a red triangle (storm signal) or a black ball (hurricane warning).
No. It is a technical term. In everyday life, people say 'weather warning', 'storm alert', or simply 'the weather report'.
A sign or indicator related to atmospheric conditions.
Weather signal is usually technical / formal in register.
Weather signal: in British English it is pronounced /ˈweðə ˌsɪɡnəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈweðər ˌsɪɡnəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A weather signal for change (metaphorical).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a ship's mast hoisting a FLAG (signal) that shows the coming WEATHER.
Conceptual Metaphor
SIGNAL FOR CHANGE (e.g., 'The policy shift was a weather signal for the industry.').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'weather signal' LEAST likely to be used?