Hello robjen.

You are right. "Abominate" is a very strong word.
It is also an almost unknown word in British English. It may be used occasionally by a politician or priest saying how terrible someone (from another party or religion) is - but I don't think I've ever heard it said in 68 years.

The adjective "abominable" is sometimes heard (not often, but sometimes), usually in the phrase "abominable snowman" - the common name for the Yeti.

I don't know how you came across this word. It is correct as you use it, but 'hate', 'loathe', 'detest' are common words which you will read, and which people would understand. "Hate" is not so strong as "abominate", but is the same idea. "Loathe" and "detest" are very similar.
"Abhor" is not so usual but would be understood.
"Abominate" and "Execrate" would be understood by some people, but not most people.

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Personally, I would use these words more to describe one's reaction to something evil and cruel - not just the weather.

Farmers hate heavy snow. Acts of genocide (killing a whole other race) is abominable.

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Wyrd bið ful aræd - bull!

The Spanish equivalent of this word is used far more often than the English version.

One of the listings for this shows it started being used about 1840-50. I cannot shake the feeling this must be an antiquated usage because I never hear it said, as I hear some of the following used instead:

1) loathe
2) abhor
3) detest
4) intensely dislike
5) hate
6) despise

Really the usage might seem to have more of a Biblical usage/application than anything else.