Bulbapedia

Weather

Revision as of 04:46, 1 January 2023 by Ht14 (talk | contribs) (some updates to Masters and main series content.)
Clear redirects here. For the location in the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky demo, see Mt. Clear.

The weather (Japanese: 天気 weather) is a set of mechanics in the Pokémon games that change the battle environment, activating Abilities, modifying certain moves, and potentially damaging the Pokémon in battle or affecting their stats. They have been included in every core series game since Generation II. Only one type of weather may be present at a time; an effect that creates weather will remove the previous weather.

In Generation II, the only way to cause weather was by a Pokémon using a move in-battle. Generation III introduced weather-related Abilities as well as overworld weather; starting a battle in an overworld location with weather would cause that weather to be automatically present from the beginning of the battle. Generation IV introduced four held items (Heat, Damp, Smooth, and Icy Rocks) that increase the duration of weather caused by weather-changing moves or Abilities. Generation V introduced seasons, which may affect the weather in certain locations, and Generation VI introduced a new evolution method affected by the weather. Generation VIII introduced overworld effects that resemble weather but do not directly correspond with an in-battle weather.

Types of weather and effects

The following lists all the weather conditions that have effects in battles. In the absence of weather, there are clear skies, which is found in most locations in all games.

Weather Image Description Details
Harsh sunlight
Strong sunlightLA 		  The harsh sunlight weather condition. It boosts the power of Fire-type moves and lowers the power of Water-type moves.

The Speed of Grass-type Pokémon is boosted.LA

Strong sunlight shines on the battlefield. It is one of the rarest conditions to be seen in the overworld.
Rain  

The rain weather condition. It boosts the power of Water-type moves and lowers the power of Fire-type moves.
Damage dealt by Fire-type moves is reduced.LA

Rain falls on the battlefield. Different variations of this weather may appear on the overworld. This is the most common weather pattern that may be found on routes and occasionally in cities.
Sandstorm   The sandstorm weather condition. At the end of each turn, it damages all Pokémon that are not Rock, Ground, or Steel types. It boosts the Sp. Def of Rock-type Pokémon. Stinging sand whips across the battlefield. In Generations III through V, every new region had a specific area where a sandstorm was always occurring.
Hail   The hail weather condition. At the end of each turn, it damages all Pokémon that are not Ice types. Pelting hail falls on the battlefield. On the overworld, this may appear as a blizzard, hailstorm, or snowfall.
SnowLASV  

The snow weather condition. It makes Blizzard more likely to hit and boosts the Defense of Ice-type Pokémon.
Pokémon are more likely to get frostbite, and drowsy Pokémon are more likely to fail to act. The Speed of Ice-type Pokémon is also boosted.LA

A snowstorm occurs on the battlefield. This weather condition replaces hail in Generation IX.
FogDPPtBDSPLA   All moves are less accurate, apart from moves that are always sure to hit.LA This weather condition only exists in Sinnoh and Hisui. A thick fog clouds the overworld and battlefield, reducing the accuracy of all moves.
Extremely harsh sunlight   The extremely harsh sunlight weather condition. It boosts the power of Fire-type moves and protects Pokémon from Water-type moves. Sunlight shines more heavily on the battlefield. This has only occurred in the overworld in the Hoenn region, in Pokémon Omega Ruby, due to Groudon's emergence.
Heavy rain   The heavy rain weather condition. It boosts the power of Water-type moves and protects Pokémon from Fire-type moves. Rain falls more chaotically around the battlefield. This has only occurred in the overworld in the Hoenn region, in Pokémon Alpha Sapphire, due to Kyogre's emergence.
Strong winds   The strong winds weather condition. The power of moves that are super effective against Flying-type Pokémon is decreased. A strong air current blows across the battlefield. This weather can only be present in battle as a result of Delta Stream, Mega Rayquaza's signature Ability.
Shadowy aura   N/A Bursts of light rain down from a shadowy aura in the sky. This type of weather is only present in Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness and has no overworld manifestation anywhere.

The following overworld effects resemble weather, but do not directly match the in-battle mechanic:

Causing weather

Most of the types of weather have a move or Ability that will cause that weather.

Clear skies Harsh sunlight Extremely harsh sunlight Rain Heavy rain Sandstorm Hail Snow Shadowy aura Fog Strong winds
Move Defog* Sunny Day — Rain Dance — Sandstorm Hail Snowscape
Chilly Reception 		Shadow Sky — —
Ability — Drought
Orichalcum Pulse 		Desolate Land Drizzle Primordial Sea Sand Stream
Sand Spit 		Snow Warning Snow Warning — — Delta Stream

Air Lock and Cloud Nine also suspend the effects of weather while they are active.

Weather normally lasts for 5 turns when it is called by a move. Prior to Generation VI, weather created by an Ability would continue until the battle ended or another type of weather took its place; since Generation VI, weather created by Abilities also lasts for only 5 turns, with the exception of weather created by Desolate Land, Primordial Sea, and Delta Stream.

If multiple Pokémon with Abilities that change the weather are sent in simultaneously, the Abilities activate in order from fastest Pokémon to slowest Pokémon (or the reverse during Trick Room); this means that the slowest Pokémon's Ability will override the other Abilities.

If a Pokémon holding one of four held items creates weather that would otherwise last 5 turns, it instead lasts 8 turns. The rock that affects each type of weather is shown below.

Harsh sunlight Rain Sandstorm Hail/Snow
 
Heat Rock 		 
Damp Rock 		 
Smooth Rock 		 
Icy Rock

When there is weather in the overworld, that weather will appear in every battle and last until it is replaced by another weather (fog and Terrains can also be cleared by Defog). In addition, Defog may clear fog from an overworld area (in Sinnoh only). It is the only move that has any effect on weather in the overworld.

In Generation V, it is possible to temporarily remove overworld weather by saving the game, setting the DS's clock to one month later (to change the season), loading the save file, and catching a Pokémon without leaving the area. This works even if the area always has the same weather regardless of the season.

Effects in battle

Three of the types of weather can do damage to Pokémon in battle at the end of a turn. In a sandstorm, hail, or shadowy aura, any Pokémon that is not Rock-, Ground-, or Steel-type; Ice-type; or a Shadow Pokémon (respectively) will be damaged for 1/16 of its maximum HP. Certain Abilities prevent damage from weather effects, though, and a Pokémon holding Safety Goggles is also immune to damage from weather effects.

Sandstorm, fog, and snow all affect the stats of Pokémon on the battlefield. Since Generation IV, in a sandstorm, the Special Defense of Rock-type Pokémon is increased by 50%. In fog, the accuracy of all Pokémon in battle is decreased. Snow increases the Defense of Ice-type Pokémon by 50%.

During harsh sunlight, no Pokémon can be frozen.

Harsh sunlight and rain both affect the power of certain types of moves. Harsh sunlight strengthens the power of Fire-type moves by 50% and weakens the power of Water-type moves by 50%, while rain does the opposite, strengthening Water-type moves by 50% while weakening Fire-type moves by 50%.

Certain specific moves are also affected in special ways by the weather.

  • The recovery moves Synthesis, Morning Sun, and Moonlight restore more HP than usual in harsh sunlight, and less than usual in most other weather.
    • In Generation II, during no weather they normally restore ¼ total HP, during harsh sunlight they normally restore ½ total HP, and during other weather they normally restore ⅛ total HP. Except in link battles, the amount of HP restored is doubled if it is the move's preferred time of day (morning for Morning Sun, day for Synthesis, night for Moonlight).
    • From Generation III onward, during no weather or strong winds they restore ½ total HP, during harsh sunlight they restore ⅔ total HP, and during other weather they restore ¼ total HP.
  • The move Shore Up restores ⅔ of the user's total HP during a sandstorm; outside of a sandstorm, it only restores ½ total HP.
  • The accuracy of Thunder, Hurricane, and Blizzard is affected by the weather.
    • From Generation IV onward, during hail Blizzard ignores accuracy and evasion checks.
    • During rain, Thunder and Hurricane ignore accuracy and evasion checks; during harsh sunlight, Thunder and Hurricane only have 50% accuracy.
    • In Pokémon Diamond and Pearl only, Blizzard and Thunder also have a 30% chance to hit through Protect or Detect when used in hail or rain, respectively.
  • Solar Beam and Solar Blade become one-turn moves in harsh sunlight, skipping their charge turn; in rain, sandstorm, hail, and fog, the moves' powers are halved.
  • From Generation V onward, during harsh sunlight Growth increases the user's Attack and Special Attack by two stages each instead of one.
  • In Generations IV and V, and Pokémon X and Y, when used as a field move Sweet Scent fails if there is a non-aesthetic weather effect in the area.
  • The move Aurora Veil can only be used successfully during hail; outside of hail, it fails.

Activated Abilities

The following Abilities are activated when a type of weather comes into effect. Most of these Abilities have no effect if no weather is active.

Harsh sunlight
Extremely harsh sunlight 		Rain
Heavy rain 		Sandstorm Hail/Snow
Forecast Forecast Sand Veil Forecast
Dry Skin Dry Skin Sand Rush Ice Body
Chlorophyll Hydration Sand Force Snow Cloak
Flower Gift Rain Dish Slush Rush
Leaf Guard Swift Swim Ice Face
Solar Power
Protosynthesis
Orichalcum Pulse

In addition to the above Abilities, Harvest is guaranteed to restore a Berry whenever it triggers in harsh sunlight, and the Abilities Overcoat and Magic Guard will prevent weather-related damage.

Castform and Weather Ball

Main article: Castform (Pokémon)
Main article: Weather Ball (move)

Castform is a Pokémon uniquely designed to take advantage of the weather. Its Ability, Forecast, causes it to change form when a type of weather is present. Forecast does not cause a unique change for every possible type of weather, though.

Normal
 
 Normal 
During clear skies, fog,
sandstorm, shadowy aura,
and strong winds 		Sunny Form
 
 Fire 
During harsh sunlight
and extremely harsh sunlight 		Rainy Form
 
 Water 
During rain and heavy rain 		Snowy Form
 
 Ice 
During hail

Weather Ball is a move that uniquely takes advantage of the weather. In Generation III, it was introduced along with Castform and was Castform's signature move.

Whenever there is a type of weather present, Weather Ball's base power will double to 100. Weather Ball's type also changes during most types of weather.

During
clear skies*
 Normal  		During
harsh sunlight/extremely harsh sunlight
 Fire  		During
rain/heavy rain
 Water  		During
sandstorm
 Rock  		During
hail
 Ice  		During
shadowy aura
 typeless  		During
fog/strong winds
 Normal 

Because of its Ability, Castform has a unique synergy with Weather Ball that no other Pokémon that can learn Weather Ball has. In harsh sunlight, rain, or hail, Castform will always get STAB thanks to its Ability.

Weather-dependent evolution

Starting at level 50, Sliggoo (as well as its Hisuian form) will evolve into Goodra if it is leveled up during rain or fog in the overworld.

First evolution Second evolution
   
→
Level 50
while raining or foggy 		 
Sliggoo
 Dragon  		Goodra
 Dragon 


First evolution Second evolution
   
→
Level 50
while raining or foggy 		 
Sliggoo
Hisuian Form
 Steel  Dragon  		Goodra
Hisuian Form
 Steel  Dragon 

Overworld effects

In Pokémon Sword and Shield, overworld weather effects mostly occur in the Wild Area, Isle of Armor, and Crown Tundra, including those that do not directly correspond to the in-battle weather mechanic.

Icon Weather Pokémon Effect in battle
  Clear (はれ) Normal, Grass, Flying —
  Cloudy (くもり) Fighting, Poison, Dark —
  Rain (あめ) Water, Bug Rain
  Thunderstorm (豪雨) Water, Electric, Dragon Rain, Electric Terrain
  Snow (ゆき) Ice Hail
  Blizzard (吹雪) Ice, Steel Hail
  Harsh sunlight (ひでり) Fire, Ground Harsh sunlight
  Sandstorm (砂嵐) Ground, Rock Sandstorm
  Fog (霧) Psychic, Ghost, Fairy Misty Terrain

Visual indicators

Generation V

In Generation V, the weather was given an icon which appeared on the DS or 3DS's bottom screen in a battle whenever weather was occurring. Since fog and shadowy aura do not appear in-battle in Generation V, they have no icons. When there is no weather, no icon is shown.

Game Harsh sunlight Rain Sandstorm Hail
BW        
B2W2        
Generation VI

In Generation VI onwards, the background of the bottom screen shows an animation of the current weather.

Generation VII

In Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon, the 3DS's bottom screen displays an icon and background animation of the current weather.

  This section is incomplete.
Please feel free to edit this section to add missing information and complete it.
Reason: Generation VI screenshots
Weather SM USUM
Harsh sunlight    
Extremely harsh sunlight    
Rain    
Heavy Rain    
Sandstorm    
Hail    
Strong winds    

Pokémon Legends: Arceus

  This section is incomplete.
Please feel free to edit this section to add missing information and complete it.
Reason: How much is accuracy reduced in Fog? 33% like with the Obscured status?

In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, weather is a mechanic that is completely controlled by the environment, and it is reset each day. Weather plays a role in the spawn distributions of wild Pokémon and also has certain in-battle effects. There are no moves that can affect the weather.

Icon Weather Effect in battle
  Sunny The Speed of Grass-type Pokémon is boosted by 33%.
Cherrim's Sunshine Form will be active.
  Harsh sunlight The Speed of Grass-type Pokémon is boosted by 33%.
Cherrim's Sunshine Form will be active.
Space-time distortions will not appear.
  Cloudy
  Rain Damage dealt by Fire-type moves is reduced by 25%.
  Thunderstorm Damage dealt by Fire-type moves is reduced by 25%.
Space-time distortions will not appear.
  Snow Pokémon are twice as likely to get frostbite, and drowsy Pokémon are twice as likely to fail to act. The Speed of Ice-type Pokémon is also boosted by 33%.
  Blizzard Pokémon are twice as likely to get frostbite, and drowsy Pokémon are twice as likely to fail to act. The Speed of Ice-type Pokémon is also boosted by 33%.
Space-time distortions will not appear.
  Fog All moves are less accurate, apart from moves that are always sure to hit.

In other games

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series

Main article: Weather (Mystery Dungeon)

Various weather effects appear in certain dungeons in the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series. Weather effects can change from floor to floor, and can also be altered through the use of Wonder Orbs. In Gates to Infinity, Pokémon will regenerate HP only if the weather is Clear, or if it is holding a Weather Band. In Super Mystery Dungeon and Rescue Team DX, Pokémon can regenerate HP in any weather as long as they do not take damage from the weather condition, or if it is holding a Weather Looplet.

Pokémon GO

Main article: Weather (GO)

Various weather effects appear in Pokémon GO, intended to reflect the actual weather. Weather in each local area is updated every hour, on the hour, via Accuweather. Each weather offers various weather boosts to Pokémon belonging to specific types.

Pokémon Masters EX

Weather functions similarly in Pokémon Masters EX as it does in the main series games, though some of the effects are slightly tweaked.

  • Sunny: Boosts Fire-type attacks by 50%. Additionally, Pokémon cannot be frozen, and previous Pokémon that were frozen prior to the weather condition being implemented will not be frozen anymore after the weather takes effect.
  • Rain: Boosts Water-type attacks by 50%.
  • Hail: Damages Pokémon after every action.
  • Sandstorm: Damages Pokémon after every action.

Unlike with the main series games, Ice-type Pokémon are not immune to damage from hail; similarly, Rock-type, Steel-type, and Ground-type Pokémon are not immune to damage from sandstorm. Instead, the effects of hail and sandstorm are nullified by the passive skills Snow Shelter and Sand Shelter, respectively.

Like in the main games, these weather conditions can be triggered with the respective moves (Sunny Day, Rain Dance, Hail, Sandstorm). As well, certain skills can activate weather conditions whether it is after using a sync move or upon entry.

Passive skill Weather condition When it is triggered
Cold Front Hail Upon entry
Downpour Rain Upon entry
Dust Kicker Sandstorm After sync move
Hail Bringer Hail After sync move
Sand Summoner Sandstorm Upon entry
Sand Sync Sandstorm After sync move (first time)
Shower Sync Rain After sync move (first time)
Solarize Sunny After sync move
Solar Sync Sunny After sync move (first time)
Sunburst Sunny Upon entry

There are also passive skills that are active only under certain weather conditions.

Passive skill Weather condition Effect
Charging Sun 2 Sunny Powers up moves
Charging Sun 3 Sunny Powers up moves
Charging Sun 5 Sunny Powers up moves
Charging Sun 6 Sunny Powers up moves
Charging Sun 9 Sunny Powers up moves
Comforting Hail Hail Stats cannot be lowered
Dire Rain 1 Rain Critical hits land more easily
Gritty Guardian 1 Sandstorm Raises user's Defense and Sp. Def by one stat rank when using a move (20% chance)
Hail Rally 1 Hail Raises critical-hit rate of all allied sync pairs when using a move (20% chance)
Hasty Hail 2 Hail Quickly charges the move gauge
Hasty Hail 3 Hail Quickly charges the move gauge
Healing Hail 1 Hail Restores HP when it takes an action
Healing Sun 1 Sunny Restores HP when it takes an action
Healing Sun 2 Sunny Restores HP when it takes an action
Heavy Hail 2 Hail Powers up sync moves
Heavy Hail 5 Hail Powers up sync moves
Ice Face Hail Shifts user with Noice Face to Ice Face
Ice Shell Hail Defense increases by 50%
Invigorating Hail 1 Hail Powers up moves
Invigorating Hail 2 Hail Powers up moves
Invigorating Hail 3 Hail Powers up moves
Invigorating Hail 5 Hail Powers up moves
One with the Sun Sunny Cannot be flinched, confused, or trapped
Pocket Sand 4 Sandstorm Lowers target's accuracy by one stat rank after a successful move (40% chance)
Racing Rain 1 Rain Quickly charges the move gauge
Racing Rain 2 Rain Quickly charges the move gauge
Racing Rain 3 Rain Quickly charges the move gauge
Racing Rain 4 Rain Quickly charges the move gauge
Raging Rain 2 Rain Powers up moves
Raging Rain 3 Rain Powers up moves
Raging Rain 5 Rain Powers up moves
Rain Gear 1 Rain Reduces damage taken from attack moves
Rain Gear 2 Rain Reduces damage taken from attack moves
Rain Gear 3 Rain Reduces damage taken from attack moves
Rainy Immunity Rain Not affected by status conditions
Rainy Propulsion 1 Rain Reduces sync move countdown by one when using a successful move (20% chance)
Refreshing Rain 1 Rain Restores HP when it takes an action
Sand Blaster 5 Sandstorm Powers up sync moves
Sand Castle 2 Sandstorm Reduces damage taken from attack moves
Sand Fortress Sandstorm Stats cannot be lowered
Sand Screen Sandstorm Sp. Def increases by 50%
Sands of Time 1 Sandstorm Quickly charges the move gauge
Sands of Time 2 Sandstorm Quickly charges the move gauge
Sands of Time 3 Sandstorm Quickly charges the move gauge
Sand Shelter Sandstorm Protected from damage from weather
Sand Superiority 3 Sandstorm Powers up moves, protected from damage from weather
Shifting Sand Sandstorm Boosts evasiveness by one stat rank
Shower Power 3 Rain Powers up sync moves
Shower Power 5 Rain Powers up sync moves
Shower Surge 3 Rain Powers up moves and quickly charges the move gauge
Snow Shelter Hail Protected from damage from weather
Solar Flare 3 Sunny Powers up sync moves
Solar Flare 5 Sunny Powers up sync moves
Solar Propulsion 1 Sunny Reduces sync move countdown by one when using a successful move (20% chance)
Solar Shield Sunny Not affected by status conditions
Solar Surge 3 Sunny Powers up moves and quickly charges the move gauge
Soothing Sand 1 Sandstorm Restores HP when it takes an action
Speeding Sun 1 Sunny Quickly charges the move gauge
Speeding Sun 2 Sunny Quickly charges the move gauge
Speeding Sun 3 Sunny Quickly charges the move gauge
Speeding Sun 5 Sunny Quickly charges the move gauge
Speeding Sun 9 Sunny Quickly charges the move gauge
Sunbathe 9 Sunny Restores HP when it uses a move
Sunny Disposition Sunny Stats cannot be lowered
Super Rain 4 Rain Applies Supereffective ↑ Next effect when using a move (50% chance)
Super Sun 4 Sunny Applies Supereffective ↑ Next effect when using a move (50% chance)
Surging Sand 1 Sandstorm Powers up moves
Surging Sand 2 Sandstorm Powers up moves
Surging Sand 3 Sandstorm Powers up moves
Surging Sand 5 Sandstorm Powers up moves
Surging Sand 9 Sandstorm Powers up moves
Torrential Tenacity Rain Cannot be flinched, confused, or trapped
Weather Surge 2 Any Powers up moves
Weather Surge 3 Any Powers up moves
Weather Sync-Up 5 Any Powers up sync moves

Trivia

 
Four snowflakes falling that goes unused


In other languages

Language Title
Chinese Cantonese 天氣 Tīnhei
Mandarin 天氣 / 天气 Tiānqì
  French Climat
  German Wetter
  Indonesian Cuaca
  Italian Condizione atmosferica
  Korean 날씨 Nalssi
  Malaysian Cuaca
Portuguese   Brazil Clima (Pokémon GO, anime, TCG, manga)
Tempo (manga)
  Portugal Tempo*
  Spanish Tiempo atmosférico
  Thai สภาพอากาศ Saphap akat
  Vietnamese Thời tiết


Weather conditions
Harsh sunlight • Rain • Sandstorm • Hail • Snow • Shadowy aura • Fog
Extremely harsh sunlight • Heavy rain • Strong winds


  This game mechanic article is part of Project Games, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on the Pokémon games.
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