Weather

Introduction

Weather is an essential aspect that has been existing throughout most of the GTA games; Grand Theft Auto III being the first to have multiple weather changes viewed in a 3-Dimensional form. It plays a crucial role by complementing to the vibes and atmosphere of the game such as a pink setting sky to suit the Vice City's 80's vibe and a dull, plain sky to suit the Liberty City atmosphere. Anonymous types of weather occur at rarer times than others. In places such as San Andreas, A certain type of weather only occurs at a particular climate or area such as Sandstorms in the desert of Las Venturas.

Mods have been created for seasonal weather such as snow and 'extra sunny' for people who want more ranges of intriguing climate.

Types Of Weather

Rain

Rain occurs in most GTA games from every 3-5 days though sometimes it can vary depending on what climate you are in. Grand Theft Auto IV frist introduced realistic rain drops forming on the player's screen as if they were actually there and they are the protagonist. The III era first introduced car's headlights reflecting the rain on the road which instantly resulted in senses of realism, making the game more 'alive'. The rainfall can vary depending on how clear the skies are. Heavy rainfall results in occasional thunder and lightning, causing the console version's controller vibrate rapidly, again as a sense of realism.

Clear Sun

Clear sun occurs quite often in most cities, ranging from 2-4 days in the III era; especially if your flying in a helicopter or plane above the clouds to see you could view it pretty much nearly everyday. The III era first introduced players to visualise heatwave when the sun reaches blazing heats however does not affect the player's health in any way. It brings a cheerful atmosphere and reputation to areas such as San Andreas and Vice City. The sun causes short shodows to appear behind objects such as lampposts and buildings.

Fog/Mist

Fog and mist occur mostly in San Andreas; areas such as The Panopticon and other wooded areas. The weather brings an eerie atmosphere to the game though this type of weather does not occur in Liberty City very often. The Fog and Mist can become realisticly thick that you cannot see things only just a few meters away from you.

Cloudy

Cloudy weather is probably the most common occuring type of weather in GTA out of the lot as well as 'clear sky. Cloudy weather has been featured in every single GTA game out of the current franchise and does not bring a particular vibe or atmosphere to the game. It is described as a 'defalt' weather due to how common it occurs. It can be seen pretty much everyday at some point.

Sandstorm

A sandstorm is an intriguing format of weather produced exclusively for Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. It occurs regularly only in the Desert, Las Venturas as it suits the climate. It clearly mimics aspects of the Nevada desert in Las Vegas.

Sunset

Watching the sunset in GTA makes this undoubtably one of the most beautiful types of weather in the game. The colour of the sun when it sets depends on the city. In places such as San Andreas and Liberty City, the sun varies from orange, yellow and red whilst Vice City's sky is usually pink or purple to suit the 80's Maimi atmosphere. The colours of the sky play a vital role in bringing up the atmosphere of a city. The shadows off objects and pedestrians become longer however the process of the sun setting only lasts around 2 to 3 hours (Game Time).

Snow

Snow can only occur through mods and bring a seasonal atmosphere of Christmas.

Trivia

• In GTA San Andreas, broadcasters from some Radio Stations correctly announce the weather forcast in the local area.
• Rumours that 'leatherface' from the famous horror movie have been spotted numerous times during thick fog in The Panopticon, San Andreas however these roumers are proven to be just a mod.