'The weather' is a good excuse only when it's not an excuse

CEOs, investors, and economists love to blame the weather.
Here's a short sample of excuses from the past several quarters alone:
Bank of America Merrill Lynch said the warmer-than-average October last year probably negatively affected the month's retail sales. (October 2015)
Macy's CFO attributed weak interest in the company's fall apparel to warm weather. (November 2015)
Dick's Sporting Goods CEO said slowing sales could be attributed to "funky weather." (November 2015)
High Street retailer NE