English Culture Videos

Instructions: Watch this video on climate and weather, and answer the questions. Then, read the script at the bottom of the page.

• arid (adjective): extremely dry, with very little rainfall and unable to support much plant life
  – The arid desert region receives less than ten inches of rain per year.
  – Few plants can survive in such an arid climate without a lot of water.
• semi-arid (adjective): somewhat dry, with low rainfall but enough to support some grasses and shrubs
  – The semi-arid region had dry summers but enough rain in the winter to keep the land green.
  – Many parts of the southwestern United States have a semi-arid climate.
• humidity (noun): the amount of moisture or water vapor in the air
  – The high humidity made the summer heat feel much more uncomfortable than usual.
  – Desert climates are known for low humidity, which means the air feels very dry.
• flash flood (noun): a sudden and rapid flood caused by heavy rain, often in a short period of time
  – A flash flood can develop within minutes after a heavy rainstorm in a dry area.
  – Hikers in canyon areas are warned to watch for signs of a flash flood, even on a sunny day.

What is the weather like in your country during different times of the year? During what season would visitors enjoy sightseeing most? Why? Select a place you would like to visit outside of your country and use the internet to collect information on the climate of the area. What recreational activities are possible? What types of clothing should you take with you?

Hi, I’m Randall. If you like semi-arid climates with plenty of sunshine and low humidity, Utah might be the place for you here in the United States.

The summer temperatures average around 26 degrees Celsius; winter temperatures about minus 1*. Uh, snow in the valleys from November until March, but there’s plenty of snow skiing, and if you like summer activities, there’s hiking, water skiing, but you have to be careful in the summer because there are plenty of thunderstorms that cause sometimes flash floods.

But if you like great weather, Utah is the place for you.