Weather and weekend plans are fine openers. The mistake is treating them as the conversation itself instead of a bridge to something real.
'Honestly, I never know what to say first' is more interesting than any clever opener. Honesty disrupts the small talk loop.
After the surface exchange: 'But the real thing I've been thinking about lately is—' and just say it. Most people are relieved you went there first.
Instead of 'what do you do?', ask 'what part of your day do you actually enjoy?' The feeling question goes deeper instantly.
The person who's brave enough to say something real gives the other person permission to do the same. Be that person.