The Editor, Sir:

This is an open letter to the Meteorological Office.

For a long time I have been disturbed by the Meteorological Office's misleading use of the word 'shower'.

The dictionary definition of the word is a spell of rain, a spray or a splatter of rain, or light rainfall. Yet we are told at times to expect heavy showers (when there is no such thing as a heavy shower), or to brace ourselves for showers (you brace yourself against a strong wind, not against a gentle spattering of raindrops).

Thunder showers

I have even heard them speak of thundershowers, which is a contradiction in terms.

Until the patois word for a shower (perhaps 'dew' - can you picture bracing yourself against a heavy dew?) is the norm in Jamaica, and while we still have to rely on the English language to communicate with each other, could you please try and be accurate with the terminology you use, so that we have an idea of what to expect from the skies above.

I am, etc.,

CINDI SCHOLEFIELD

cindischo@cwjamaica.com

Kingston 10

Via Go-Jamaica

Note: The Oxford dictionary defines 'shower' as "a brief and usually light fall of rain or snow ...' and also 'a copious fall or flight of solid objects ... .' Websters is similar and also speaks of 'an abundant flow' which might well embrace the 'thundershowers' the Met Office forecasts.