Awkward chit chat

Why do people always talk about the weather? is it because it is interesting or is it just small talk? When I ask I do it because of actual interest because I do want to know but I don't think others do, at least not always. But the point is here why ask about the weather? is it difficult to find something else to small talk about? If someone asks about the weather and you're both at the same place it makes the whole conversation very awkward so why do it?

Beatrix Bernadotte