I grew up in Florida, and our year divides itself into seasons of bearable and unbearable. Even the most creative mind could hardly find illumination in topics around the weather, as there are only so many ways to say "the sun is shining with ferocious force today" or "the sweat is running into my eyeballs with alarming frequency."
In Japan, seasons are strictly observed, and every relationship begins with the weather. It's a Japanese art form in itself.
In summer, the most casual greeting is followed by an observation on the heat, usually a simple statement of sweaty fact. Autumn and spring conversations end with the reminder to be careful. "The weather is so changeable lately — don't catch cold."