Snow is also common. It can bring a sense of wonder and magic. The characters might build snowmen or have a snowball fight, which adds an element of fun to the story.
Another common selection about weather in such short stories could be the changing of seasons. The transition from fall to winter, for instance. The author might describe how the leaves are falling, the air is getting colder, and the characters start to wear warmer clothes. This change in weather can often be used to symbolize changes in the characters' lives as well. For example, as the world outside gets colder and darker, a character might be going through a difficult time in school or with friends.
They usually have a relatable protagonist. In a book about weather in fiction, the main character might be a child who is affected by the weather in some way, like in 'Storm Runners' where the boy has to face the challenges brought by storms. This makes it easier for 5th graders to engage with the story. Also, the weather is often used to create an atmosphere. If it's a spooky story, there might be dark clouds and thunder to add to the mood.
A really interesting book is 'The Snow Spider'. It is set in Wales and the weather, especially snow, plays a big role in the fictional story. It has elements of Welsh mythology and is a great read for 5th graders interested in a different kind of weather - influenced fiction.
I'm not sure exactly as I haven't read it. But it might be about the experiences during stormy weather, like how animals and people react to it.
The 'under the weather short story' could be centered around a character who wakes up one day not feeling their best. Maybe they have a cold or are just feeling down in the dumps. It could show their journey throughout the day, how simple tasks become difficult, and how they might find comfort or face challenges. For example, if it's a sick character, they might struggle to go to work or school, and the story could explore the reactions of those around them.
The elements include a strong beginning. You could start with a striking statement like 'The day the tornado hit, everything changed.' Then, there should be a clear description of the weather itself. Whether it's the heat of a desert sun or the freezing cold of a blizzard. Another element is the impact on people. How did they react? Were they scared, excited or just in awe? And finally, a good ending that leaves an impression, like 'As the rain stopped, a rainbow appeared, giving hope after the chaos.'
One common element is the exaggeration of normal weather phenomena. For example, in many fictional stories, rain can be extremely heavy or have unusual substances like the candy rain I mentioned before. Another element is personification. We often see the weather acting like a character, such as a sentient cloud. Also, magic or supernatural elements are common. The weather can be controlled by magic spells or be part of a magical world's natural order.
I'm not sure specifically which 'weather report five short stories' you are referring to. There could be various short stories related to weather in different contexts, such as stories about how people's lives are affected by different weather conditions like a storm, a sunny day, a snowy day, a foggy day and a rainy day in a fictional town's weather report.
Typical elements include characters. There are often protagonists with goals or problems they need to solve. Then there's the plot which is the sequence of events. It might involve a conflict, like a character against society or against another character. Settings are also important, whether it's a school, a family home, or a fictional place.