I am continually annoyed by the language used in weather forecasts. Why can’t they speak English?

Example: “A trough and low over the east are generating widespread heavy rain and damaging winds over northeast NSW, leading to flooding and dangerous surf. A vigorous front is crossing the WA west coast, causing destructive winds, squally showers and thunderstorms. “

  • The words trough, low, front are weather-speak: meaningless until you’ve done the training course.
  • The word widespread describes an area, but why should I care? I just want to know if it affects me.
  • The words heavy rain, damaging winds, flooding, dangerous surf, thunderstorms are good. Anyone should understand those.
  • The word squally is well known to sailors, but meaningless in any other context.

ME: “Heavy rain and damaging winds over large parts of north-eastern NSW with flooding and dangerous surf. Heavy showers or thunderstorms with high winds along the WA west coast.”

Another: “A fine, mild to warm and sunny day. Moderate northeasterly winds, freshening during the evening.”

Again, lots of special words: fine, mild, moderate, freshening mean? Much clearer would be:

ME: “Nice sunny day, warm for the time of year. Good breeze, could get a bit windy later.”

Why do they keep doing that?