Where does the weather expression 'close' come from

[claguey]

I remember my Mum saying 'the weather is very close' when talking about it being humid & sticky often before a thunder storm. Just where does this expression come from and is it just a Northern thing?

[Quizmonster]

'Close' has been used in this sense since the 1500s. The suggestion is that the area experiencing 'close weather' is rather like a closed room, with no easy circulation of the air/atmosphere. In other words, it feels confined and stifling. I don't believe it is especially northern.

[heathfield]

Your question contains the answer - it feels like a thunderstorm is close by.

[quisling]

Not entirely connected but reminded me of a couple of favourite bad/black weather phrases -

"It's a bit dark over Will's mother's" and

"It's like the Earl of Hell's waistcoast out there"

[compman]

As a 'Southern Softy' I can assure you it's a widespread expression.

[claguey]

Thank you everyone! Couldn't find an explanation on the internet, so a friend told me about this site. I'm hooked now!