⛈️
Cloud With Lightning And Rain
kloud with layt-ning and rayn
Definitions
1
Weather · Natural Phenomena
Common
Represents a thunderstorm with both lightning and rain. Used to indicate severe weather conditions combining electrical storms and precipitation.
Commonly used in weather discussions, to warn about dangerous conditions, or to describe one's current environment.
Staying home today ⛈️ The storm looks dangerous.
Weather update on social media
Meeting canceled due to ⛈️ in the forecast. Stay safe everyone!
Group chat message
Often carries negative connotations in Western cultures, symbolizing trouble, danger, or emotional turbulence.
2
Emotional · Metaphorical
Common
Metaphorically represents emotional turmoil, trouble, or a difficult situation. Used to symbolize personal challenges or chaotic circumstances.
Often used in personal narratives to describe emotional states or challenging life events.
This week has been a complete ⛈️ at work, but I'm pushing through.
Personal social media post
The storm metaphor for difficult times is widespread across English-speaking cultures.
Cultural Context
Weather emojis like ⛈️ function as social connectors, allowing people to share common experiences regardless of geographic distance or cultural differences.
The storm emoji has gained importance with the rise of climate change awareness, often appearing in discussions about extreme weather events.
Regional Variations
Australia
In Australia, often used to indicate severe storms during summer storm season, particularly in northern regions.
United Kingdom
More frequently used in the UK where weather discussions are a cultural staple and thunderstorms are less common than in some regions.
Generational Usage
Gen_X: Primarily used functionally to discuss actual weather conditions or as simple metaphors for difficult situations.
Gen_Z: Used frequently in dramatic contexts or for emphasis. Often paired with other emojis to create emotional narratives on TikTok and Instagram.
Older: Less frequently used; when employed, typically for literal weather references in family communications.
Millennials: Commonly used literally for weather updates on social media and in group chats about plans affected by weather.
Common Combinations
⛈️🏠
Staying home due to a storm or bad weather.
Common in weather-related social media posts, indicating safety-seeking behavior during storms.
⛈️😴
Enjoying sleeping during a storm or finding storms relaxing.
Reflects the common experience of finding rainfall soothing for sleep.
⛈️🚗
Driving in stormy conditions or difficult commute due to weather.
Often used as a warning or to express anxiety about dangerous driving conditions.