If you’ve ever caught yourself discussing the weather more than once in a day, you’re in good company.
New research from the Met Office has revealed that people in the Highlands, like the rest of the country spend more than two full days each year talking about the weather.
That’s 56.6 hours across twelve months, or two days and nine hours of conversation about sunshine, showers and everything in between.
And with the Highlands currently basking in one of the warmest summers on record, it’s no wonder the skies are keeping us talking.
From June to mid-August, average temperatures have been running 1.5°C above normal, and with two weeks of summer still to go, 2025 may yet break all-time seasonal records.
But this isn’t just about making small talk at the post office or around the kitchen table.
For many of us, weather chat is part of how we connect with each other, with the land, and with what’s coming next.
Sixty percent of people say it’s their go-to topic in casual conversation, making it more popular than news, family or even holidays.
And while we’re known for being reserved, the findings show that Highlanders, like everyone else are regular small-talkers, with nearly all of us engaging in it at least once a week.
Almost half of us (43 percent) use the weather to start conversations, whether with neighbours, shopkeepers or colleagues, and more than a quarter talk about it every day.
The research also shows that the interest goes deeper than daily forecasts.
Nearly one in four people want to know more about how weather patterns form, and how climate impacts everything from farming and tourism to transport and national infrastructure.
More than 90 percent recognise the impact of weather on agriculture, a major concern in Highland communities, while fewer are aware of the role it plays in defence and aerospace.
Met Office meteorologist Alex Deakin said the findings speak to something deeply rooted in our culture.
“Talking about the weather is more than a curiosity,” he said.
“It’s a necessity for many people.”
He added that far from being a trivial habit, our daily conversations reflect a deep connection with the climate and the way it shapes our lives.
“The volume of people showing an interest in complex weather patterns and how they influence critical sectors highlights how the weather shapes our lives, livelihoods and even our national identity.”
The Met Office has launched a new campaign, Smart Talk to shine a light on how weather and climate intelligence impacts everything from public safety to economic growth.
Aerospace engineer and STEM content creator Jessica Gagen is backing the campaign, saying weather forecasting plays a pivotal role in innovation and air safety.
“People may not fully appreciate the incredible technology we use to predict the weather and ensure every flight is as safe, energy efficient and comfortable as possible,” she said.
Here in the Highlands, where farming, ferries, and festivals all depend on the skies, it’s no surprise we’re always checking the forecast.
And with extreme weather becoming more frequent, it seems those familiar conversations are more important than ever.
