Norwegian Summer

actually

People think summers are cold but actually they're not.

In this example, "actually" has a similar meaning to "really."  We frequently use this word to present information that may be different than what the listener believes is true.  Notice the following:

1. She is actually almost 40 years old.
   
2. We were actually going to leave for an appointment in a few minutes.
   

effect

The weather is changing because of the El Nino effect.

An "effect" is a result or a consequence of an event.  Notice the following:

1. Her skin shows the effect of spending a lot of time in the sun.
   
2. That is one of the negative effects of pollution.
   

close

The temperature gets close to 30 degrees.

If a temperature gets "close" to 30 degrees then it is almost 30 degrees, but is a little lower.  If you have $4.97 you have "close" to $5.00, but a little less. Notice the following:

1. He lives close to 4 hours away from here.
   
2. They have close to 10 dogs that live in their house.
   

humidity

There's no humidity, it's nice and dry.

"Humidity" is water or moisture in the air.  Notice the following:

1. The humidity made it seem hotter outside than it really was.
   
2. After a hot shower there is a lot of humidity in the bathroom.
   

pleasant

It's pleasant weather.

"Pleasant" weather is nice or comfortable weather and is probably sunny.  This is a positive adjective.  Notice the following:

1. Even though it rained most days the vacation was very pleasant and relaxing.
   
2. She is a very pleasant woman.