I think that’s the right way to handle it. No need to explain yourself to strangers or just go along with their wishes. Tbh if she had been anymore insistent than you described, I would’ve found a nice way to end the conversation. I won’t lie though, I have been rude to religious people who get too pushy. I understand they feel compelled to share their truth or whatever, but I have my personal limits and I don’t let anyone cross them.

Almost without thinking, I usually say, "Thank, Buddha."

Of course, Buddha doesn't have anything to do with the weather at all. And besides, Buddha was just a human being, and he's dead now. And I also like Bodhidharma, but's that's too many syllables.

Meanwhile, In Dallas today, we had a tornado warning.

“Well,” “I wouldn’t go that far”

I would've said yup or something, I let these people think that God has something to do with the weather. Most of us know that weather has to do cold and warm fronts and barometric pressure, simply put.

Good response. I would have said yep too. And move on.

Wise to not be confrontational.

We know the religious are, sadly #Religulous...suffering delusions. suffering the brain-washing of myths since childhood.

You're brave, bold, and open-minded for NOT conflicting with the #religulous. I have some good friends who, sadly, are stuck in that frame of mind....but they're still good people.

Normally I just don't respond. Like I never heard the question. Where I live it makes life easier.

I normally agree yes, but I also say thank the universe, or mother earth. I'm always greatful for all the beauty I find, so I can relate to the excitement and appreciation.

I would have given the credit to the local weatherman.

I liked your response, in view of the circumstances. If a religious response is expected, I normally resist: 'Merry Xmas' always gets 'Happy Soltice' or 'Happy Saturnalia' or 'God Yul'.

God has nothing to do with it, or anything for that matter. You did OK.

I recall a somewhat similar situation. I responded with " well, whatever is responsible, it's definitely good ".
In return , I got an odd glance - but they said nothing else. Popped their bubble I guess ...

Kind of sick of "letting it go".
I'm just going to start telling everyone who even mentions their stupid religious
beliefs, to keep their delusions to themselves.
I don't care if they're just trying to be "nice".
Their assumptions do not require my compliance.

The elderly lady did not specify WHICH god to thank. Zeus? Odin? Amon-Ra? Krishna? The Flying Spaghetti Monster? Is there a deity that is specifically in charge of nice weather or pleasant days? It's very confusing.

I probably would not have responded to the comment at all. If interested in conversing with the god-obsessed, I try to redirect the topic. I it doesn't work, I either excuse myself from conversing or let them know I am not a believer. Usually the former.

"I gotta go, I'm catching a Richard Dawkins lecture at noon."
Then hit her on the side of the head with a shovel.

Good idea to have an answer ready for opportunities like that - when it feels appropriate to inform strangers that not everyone they meet believes in God/s. It's not always appropriate, but when it is, it's a great opportunity to open up a thoughtful dialog, and let a little bit of light into a closed mind.

I would probably say something like: "Yep, nature is wonderful, whether you believe in God or not! For me, I'm an atheist, so I can pause in awe and wonder at all the many natural factors that went into making this perfect day!"

(Substitute Agnostic, Skeptic, Happy Humanist, Naturalist, Free thinker, Rationalist...)

If it's a stranger, I don't mind reminding them not everyone they meet believes in God.

If it's a friend (everyone knows I'm atheist) well they got their jab in, and I can take the high road and just smile and keep my mouth shut.

Old people are often lonely.
“Yes Mam, I do believe we’re very lucky to be sharing this day.”

I consider these types of things non-issues
I’ll still throw out a god bless you here and there
You did well because that was right for you

Out of respect for an elder I would have passed it off too. You did the right thing

I think we have to pick our battles. I had a woman offer to pray for my son. I didn't argue or even say I wad an atheist. I didn't know her.

Yep is the perfect response.

Id have simply said yes ma'am. Being respectful of others and their beliefs isnt a compromise of ur own. Never understand why atheist feel the need to be rude, confrontational, and cause a scene. Ur not gonna change their beliefs any more than theyre gonna changes urs so why does it need to go any further than that. Now, if u try to force ur religion on me, then weve got a different story. Then ill be confrontational, question ur intelligence, and belittle ur religion. But no need to be that way with a lil old lady trying to be polite a respectful. She maybe lonely, and her conversation with u may have been the highlight of her day.

No response is necessary. If she preached at you, then a response might be good.