Weather & Seasons Vocabulary | Slow and Easy English Story for Beginners

[00:00:00]Welcome to English listening channel.

[00:00:04]Hello everyone.

[00:00:06]Today, we're going to look at a conversation >> [music] >> at a park.

[00:00:12]In this video, you will follow a simple and practical story between [music] two friends, Sam and Mina.

[00:00:24]Don't worry. I will speak slowly [music] and clearly. So, please relax and enjoy the story.

[00:00:33]>> [music] >> Before we start, I have a small question for [music] you.

[00:00:39]Please listen carefully to find the answer.

[00:00:43]This will help you understand [music] English more deeply.

[00:00:49]So, here is today's question.

[00:00:52]Why does the air smell so fresh after it rains?

[00:00:59]The answer is mentioned in the conversation.

[00:01:03]If you find the answer, please write it in the comments section.

[00:01:09]By writing your answer in English, you can improve your English skills even more effectively. [music] All right. Let's start the video. Are you ready?

[00:01:23]Okay. Let's begin.

[00:01:26]>> Hey, Mina. The weather looks great for tomorrow. Do you want to have a picnic?

[00:01:31]>> A picnic? That sounds fun. Where should we go?

[00:01:35]>> How about the big park near the river?

[00:01:38]They have nice picnic tables there.

[00:01:39]>> Good idea. Let me check the weather on my phone first.

[00:01:43]>> Sure. Go ahead.

[00:01:45]>> Okay. It says sunny in the morning. The temperature will be 72°.

[00:01:51]>> 72°?

[00:01:53]That's perfect for a picnic.

[00:01:55]>> Wait. Is that warm? I sometimes get confused with Fahrenheit.

[00:02:00]>> Oh, right. In the US, we use Fahrenheit.

[00:02:04]72° Fahrenheit is about 22° C.

[00:02:08]>> Oh, so 72° is warm.

[00:02:11]>> Yes, very warm and nice. Most countries use Celsius, but in the US, we use Fahrenheit. So, when you hear 72°, just think warm and nice.

[00:02:22]>> Okay, I'll remember that. But, look at this part. It says there's a 20% chance of rain in the afternoon.

[00:02:30]>> Only 20%? That's nothing. We'll be fine.

[00:02:34]>> Are you sure? Maybe we should bring an umbrella?

[00:02:37]>> No, no. 20% means it probably won't rain. Trust me.

[00:02:42]>> Okay, if you say so.

[00:02:44]>> You know what I love? The smell after it rains. Do you know why the air smells so fresh after rain?

[00:02:51]>> Hmm, I don't know, actually. But, I love that smell, too. It's so clean and fresh.

[00:02:58]>> I always wonder about it. Anyway, let's start getting ready. We need sandwiches, water, fruit, >> and sunscreen. Don't forget sunscreen.

[00:03:08]>> Good thinking. I'll make the sandwiches.

[00:03:11]>> And I'll get the blanket and the basket.

[00:03:14]This is going to be a great day.

[00:03:17]>> Here we are. Look at that sky. Not a single cloud.

[00:03:22]>> It's beautiful. So clear and blue.

[00:03:26]>> I can feel a nice breeze, too. Not too strong, just right.

[00:03:31]>> The sunshine feels so warm on my face.

[00:03:35]What a perfect morning.

[00:03:37]>> I told you. 72° Fahrenheit. Perfect picnic weather.

[00:03:42]>> Hold on. Let me put on some sunscreen first.

[00:03:45]>> Sunscreen? Is the sun that strong today?

[00:03:49]>> Yes, I checked the UV index on the weather app. It's eight today.

[00:03:54]>> UV index? What's that?

[00:03:57]>> It tells you how strong the sun is. If the number is high, you get a sunburn faster.

[00:04:03]>> Oh. So, what does eight mean?

[00:04:06]>> Eight is very high. You can get a sunburn in just 15 minutes without sunscreen.

[00:04:12]>> Wow, really? Even on a day like this? It doesn't feel that hot.

[00:04:18]>> You don't have to feel hot to get a sunburn. The UV can be strong even when the air feels cool.

[00:04:25]>> I didn't know that. Let me use some sunscreen, too, please.

[00:04:29]>> Here you go. Put it on your face, neck, and arms.

[00:04:33]>> Thanks. I'll do my ears, too. I always forget my ears.

[00:04:38]>> That's smart. Many people forget their ears, and they get red.

[00:04:42]>> Okay, I'm ready. Let's go find a good spot for our picnic.

[00:04:46]>> The fresh air feels wonderful. I love spring mornings like this.

[00:04:51]>> Me, too. Everything looks so green and alive.

[00:04:56]>> Look at those flowers over there. Pink and yellow ones.

[00:05:00]>> They're beautiful. Let's ask at the information booth. They might know the best picnic area.

[00:05:05]>> Good idea. I think I can see it right over there.

[00:05:10]>> Excuse me. We're looking for a good picnic spot. Can you help us?

[00:05:15]>> Of course. There's a lovely area by the lake. It has picnic tables and a lot of shade from the big trees.

[00:05:24]>> Shade. That sounds great. The sun is really strong today.

[00:05:29]>> Yes, on sunny days like today, the shade under the trees helps a lot. It's much cooler there.

[00:05:36]>> Nice. And what if it rains? Is there a place we can go?

[00:05:41]>> There's a shelter near the lake, too. It has a roof, so you can stay dry if the rain comes.

[00:05:47]>> Perfect. We hope we won't need it, but it's good to know.

[00:05:52]>> That's smart thinking. The weather can change very fast in this season.

[00:05:57]>> Spring weather is like that, right?

[00:05:59]Always changing?

[00:06:01]>> Oh, yes. In spring, you can have sunshine in the morning and rain by the afternoon. It happens a lot.

[00:06:08]>> I'll keep that in mind. By the way, the park looks really beautiful right now.

[00:06:14]All the flowers are blooming.

[00:06:17]>> Thank you. This is actually the best time of year to visit. The flowers are all springing up.

[00:06:24]>> Springing up? That's a nice way to say it.

[00:06:27]>> You know, that's where the name of the season comes from.

[00:06:31]>> Really? What do you mean?

[00:06:33]>> We call this season spring because everything springs up from the ground.

[00:06:38]The plants and flowers grow fast after the cold winter.

[00:06:42]>> Oh, so the season is named after what the plants do?

[00:06:47]>> Yes. The plants spring up, so we call it spring.

[00:06:51]>> Very interesting. I love little facts like that. Can you show me which way to go?

[00:06:57]>> Sure. Follow this path to the left and you'll see the lake in about 5 minutes.

[00:07:03]The picnic tables are right next to it.

[00:07:06]>> Great. Thank you so much for your help.

[00:07:09]>> You're welcome. Enjoy your picnic. And remember, the shelter is to the right of the lake if you need it.

[00:07:16]>> Got it. Thanks again.

[00:07:19]This spot is perfect. Look at the view of the lake.

[00:07:23]>> It's so peaceful here. And the shade from the trees is nice, just like she said.

[00:07:29]>> Okay, let's set up. I'll put the blanket down.

[00:07:33]>> And I'll open the basket. We have sandwiches, fruit, juice, and cookies.

[00:07:38]>> That's a lot of food. I'm already hungry.

[00:07:41]>> You're always hungry, Sam.

[00:07:43]>> Hey, that's not true. Only most of the time.

[00:07:48]>> The air feels so warm and soft here. I really love spring.

[00:07:53]>> Is spring your favorite season?

[00:07:55]>> Yes, I love it when the flowers bloom and the days get longer. What about you?

[00:08:01]What's your favorite season?

[00:08:03]>> Fall. Definitely fall.

[00:08:06]>> Fall? Why?

[00:08:07]>> I love watching the leaves change color.

[00:08:10]Red, orange, yellow. The trees look so beautiful.

[00:08:15]>> That is really pretty. But wait, why do you say fall? I learned the word autumn in school.

[00:08:22]>> Oh, they mean the same thing. Fall and autumn are the same season.

[00:08:27]>> Really? Then what's the difference between them?

[00:08:30]>> Fall comes from leaves fall from the trees. In the US, people usually say fall, and autumn is more common in the UK.

[00:08:39]>> Oh, that makes sense. Fall is because the leaves fall down. That's so easy to remember.

[00:08:46]>> Right? And you know, each season has its own special feeling. Winter is cold and quiet. The ground is covered in snow.

[00:08:56]>> I like winter, too. Hot chocolate, warm blankets, watching snow fall outside the window.

[00:09:03]>> And summer is the opposite. Long, hot days. People go swimming, eat ice cream, and travel.

[00:09:10]>> Summer is fun, but it gets too hot for me sometimes.

[00:09:14]>> So, spring is your perfect season.

[00:09:16]>> Exactly. Not too hot, not too cold, new flowers, green grass, and birds singing in the morning.

[00:09:24]>> You really love nature.

[00:09:26]>> I do. That's why this picnic is so wonderful. Just sitting outside and enjoying the beautiful weather.

[00:09:33]>> I agree. Pass me a sandwich. I put extra cheese in them.

[00:09:37]>> Sure. Here you go.

[00:09:40]>> Hey Mina, does it feel a little darker to you?

[00:09:44]>> Let me look up.

[00:09:46]Oh, the sky is really changing. Those clouds are getting bigger.

[00:09:52]>> They look kind of gray. That's very different from this morning.

[00:09:56]>> Yes. When I look over there, the sky is still blue. But over this way, the clouds look dark.

[00:10:04]>> It's getting windy, too. Can you feel that?

[00:10:07]>> Yes, I can. Before, it was just a light breeze. Now, the wind is much stronger.

[00:10:14]>> And the air feels cooler now. I'm getting a little chilly.

[00:10:19]>> It really is amazing how fast the weather can change. The lady at the information booth told us about this.

[00:10:27]>> Spring weather changes quickly. She was so right.

[00:10:31]>> Look at those dark gray clouds moving this way. I think it's going to rain, Sam.

[00:10:37]>> No, no, no. It was only 20%. Remember?

[00:10:41]The forecast said only 20%.

[00:10:43]>> Sam, just look at the sky. Those clouds are full of water.

[00:10:48]>> How can you tell?

[00:10:50]>> Look at the color. White clouds don't have much water, but dark gray clouds have a lot of water inside. That's why they look so dark. The water blocks the sunlight.

[00:11:02]>> So, dark clouds mean rain is coming.

[00:11:05]>> Yes, exactly. And those clouds look very, very dark.

[00:11:10]>> Oh, no. I think I just felt a raindrop on my hand.

[00:11:15]>> We need to go now. Do you remember the shelter near the lake?

[00:11:19]>> Yes, but I think there was a small cafe near the park entrance. That might be closer.

[00:11:26]>> You're right. The cafe is closer. Let's go there. Quick, help me pack everything.

[00:11:32]>> Okay, okay. I'll grab the blanket, you take the basket.

[00:11:36]>> Hurry, the rain is starting.

[00:11:38]>> Maybe soon we'll get to smell that fresh air after the rain.

[00:11:43]>> Always thinking about the smell. Come on, let's run.

[00:11:48]Excuse me, can we come inside? It's raining really hard out there.

[00:11:54]>> Of course, come in. You two look pretty wet.

[00:11:57]>> Yes, we didn't bring an umbrella.

[00:12:00]My friend is right behind me.

[00:12:02]>> No worries, it happens a lot here. The weather was so nice this morning.

[00:12:07]>> It was perfect, and then the sky got dark so fast and the rain just started.

[00:12:14]>> Spring is like that, it always does this. Would you like something warm to drink?

[00:12:19]>> Yes, please. Can I have two hot chocolates? One for me and one for my friend.

[00:12:25]>> Of course, I'll make them now.

[00:12:28]You know, the rain started as just a drizzle a few minutes ago, but now look outside. It's really pouring.

[00:12:35]>> Drizzle and pouring, those are both words for rain?

[00:12:39]>> Yes, English has many words for rain.

[00:12:43]A drizzle is very light rain, small gentle drops. You can walk in a drizzle and not get too wet.

[00:12:51]>> Oh, like a mist?

[00:12:53]>> Yes, something like that. And rain is the normal kind, not too heavy, not too light.

[00:12:59]>> And what about heavy rain?

[00:13:02]>> Heavy rain is stronger, bigger drops, and you need an umbrella for sure.

[00:13:07]>> And pouring?

[00:13:08]>> Pouring is the strongest. It's like someone is pouring water from a very big bucket in the sky.

[00:13:15]>> A bucket in the sky? So right now it's pouring?

[00:13:19]>> Look out the window and tell me.

[00:13:21]>> Oh, wow, yes, it's pouring. I almost can't see the trees from here.

[00:13:27]>> Did you hear that just now?

[00:13:29]>> What was that loud sound?

[00:13:32]>> That was thunder.

[00:13:33]>> Thunder?

[00:13:34]>> Yes. When you see a bright light in the sky, that's lightning. And the loud sound after it is thunder.

[00:13:41]>> Oh, so lightning is the light and thunder is the sound?

[00:13:45]>> Exactly. Here are your hot chocolates, nice and warm.

[00:13:50]>> Thank you so much. This is just what we need right now.

[00:13:54]>> Don't worry. These spring storms usually don't last long. It will stop soon.

[00:13:59]>> I hope so. Thank you.

[00:14:02]>> Mina, look. The rain stopped.

[00:14:05]>> You're right. And the sun is coming back out.

[00:14:08]>> Let's go outside. I want to see the park after the rain.

[00:14:12]>> Okay. Oh, look at the ground. There are puddles everywhere.

[00:14:17]>> The park looks so different now.

[00:14:20]Everything is wet and shiny.

[00:14:22]>> Be careful. Don't step in that big puddle.

[00:14:25]>> Oops, too late. My shoe is all wet now.

[00:14:29]>> I just told you to be careful.

[00:14:32]>> It's okay. Hey, look up at the sky.

[00:14:35]>> Oh, is that a rainbow?

[00:14:37]>> Yes. Red, orange, yellow, green, blue.

[00:14:43]Look at all those colors.

[00:14:45]>> It's so beautiful. You need both rain and sunshine for a rainbow. That's why they show up right after the rain stops.

[00:14:54]>> The rain and the sun work together.

[00:14:57]That's amazing.

[00:14:58]>> Oh, Sam, take a deep breath.

[00:15:02]>> Mhm. Oh, wow. That smell. That fresh, clean smell. This is what I was talking about this morning.

[00:15:11]>> Yes, it's wonderful.

[00:15:13]>> So, do you know why the air smells so good after rain?

[00:15:17]>> I think I do. When rain hits dry ground, the ground lets out a special smell.

[00:15:23]>> The smell comes from the ground, not from the rain.

[00:15:27]>> That's right. It's not the rain, it's the ground. When raindrops hit dry ground, something inside the ground goes up into the air.

[00:15:36]>> And that's what we smell?

[00:15:38]>> Yes. And the smell is stronger when the ground is very dry. That's why it smells so brick today.

[00:15:45]>> So, the ground makes the smell, not the rain. I always thought it was the rain.

[00:15:51]>> And you learned something about umbrellas, too, right?

[00:15:54]>> Yes. Next time, even if the forecast says 20% chance of rain, I'm bringing an umbrella.

[00:16:01]>> What happened to 20% is nothing.

[00:16:04]>> I was wrong. Today taught me a lesson.

[00:16:07]>> But the rain made today special. Hot chocolate, a rainbow, and we learned why the ground smells so good after rain.

[00:16:15]>> You're right. A little rain is not so bad.

[00:16:19]>> Should we come back next weekend?

[00:16:21]>> Sure, but I'm bringing an umbrella.

[00:16:23]>> Deal.

[00:16:25]>> How was it?

[00:16:27]I hope this video helped you improve your English.

[00:16:32]Now, let me ask the question from the beginning >> [music] >> one more time.

[00:16:37]Why does the air smell so fresh after it [music] rains?

[00:16:43]The answer was mentioned in the video.

[00:16:46]>> [music] >> Did you find it?

[00:16:48]If you did, please write your answer in the comment section.

[00:16:53]By practicing English output like this, you can improve your English skills more efficiently.

[00:17:01]>> [music] >> On this channel, I share stories in slow and easy English with small but useful [music] tips to help you learn.

[00:17:11]I will keep uploading videos like this.

[00:17:14]>> [music] >> So, if you enjoyed it, please subscribe to the channel.

[00:17:18]And please don't forget to like the video and leave a comment.

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[00:17:32]All right, that's all for today. I hope to see you in the next video.

[00:17:38]See you next time. Bye.