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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 16 June 2026 by the NewsPrism weather desk. Data from national met services via Open-Meteo.
Live data from Open-Meteo · updates automatically ·
“Under the weather” is a common British idiom meaning to feel slightly ill or run-down. The live forecast above for Under the Wood shows exactly the kind of damp, gloomy conditions that many people associate with that droopy feeling – though the phrase itself has nautical roots.
What does “under the weather” mean?
It describes feeling unwell, tired or out of sorts – not seriously sick, but not quite yourself. You might say “I’m feeling a bit under the weather today” if you have a cold, headache or low energy. It’s a milder alternative to “ill” and often used in everyday conversation.
- Common synonyms: poorly, off-colour, rough, below par, not 100%.
- Example sentence: “I think I’ll skip the meeting – I feel a little under the weather.”
- In idioms, it ranks alongside “feeling a bit off” and “under the weather meaning sick” is the most frequent usage.
Where does the phrase come from?
The origin lies in 19th-century sailing. When a sailor felt seasick or ill, he was sent below deck – specifically “under the weather bow” – to shelter from the wind and rain. Over time this shortened to “under the weather”.
- Early recorded use: 1820s in British maritime logs.
- The “weather” referred to the windward side (the “weather side”) of the ship.
- By the mid-1800s it had entered general speech as a polite way to say unwell.
Can “under the weather” mean something else?
In rare cases it can refer to the effects of bad weather, such as feeling low due to lack of sun. But in modern British speech it almost always means feeling ill or rundown – not literally affected by the climate.
Is the phrase used outside the UK?
Yes – it’s understood in most English-speaking countries. However, it remains most common in the UK, Ireland and Australia. In the US “coming down with something” is often preferred, though “under the weather” still appears.
How do I use “under the weather” correctly in a sentence?
Typically with “feeling” or “a bit”: “I am feeling under the weather” or “She’s a bit under the weather today.” It’s not used for serious illness – you wouldn’t say “he’s under the weather with cancer.” Stick to minor ailments or fatigue.
For more weather-related content, check the UK weather hub and our 10 Day Weather Forecast UK.