Micro version of a longer article which can be found here.
Learn how to predict the weather using clouds, you can do this from a window or garden. have a go and see if you’re right!
- Cirrus – is the most common high altitude cloud it is a sign of fair and pleasant weather to come.
- Cirrostratus – A thin sheet like cloud that can cover the entire sky. It can be used to predict rain or snow if it’s cold enough within the next 12 – 24 hours.
- Cirrocumulus – This cloud like the cirrostratus is a layer but differs because of its patchy appearance. When you see this cloud, it means that the weather is stable for now however it could be a prelude to stormy skies. If this cloud does precipitate it is rare that the droplets will reach the surface.
- Altostratus – Forms ahead of a warm or occluded front. A warm front means light rain or snow and an occluded front is where a cold front and warm front have caught up with each other, joined together, which can cause strong winds and heavy rain. As the front passes Altostratus deepens and becomes Nimbostratus. Seeing this cloud can be an indicator that the weather is going to change for the worse.
- Altocumulus – This cloud brings settled weather. If it does produce rain it is unlikely that the rain will reach the surface.
- Stratus – If the weather is warmer it brings rain if it’s colder then it will bring snow. A low level grey blanket cloud that can sometimes be seen as fog.
- Stratocumulus – Rarely produces rain. This cloud is usually seen at the tail end of bad weather, however can be a prelude to worse weather approaching.
- Nimbostratus – Dark, low uniformly grey clouds. Widespread light to moderate precipitation. If you can see this one it’s probably already raining.
- Cumulus – Fair weather cloud. A rounded top and a flat bottom this cloud means that it’s all going to be ok. However, this cloud can sometimes develop into Cumulonimbus which means you should probably think about heading indoors.
- Cumulonimbus – Towering bad weather cloud with extreme weather, torrential rain, hail, lightning, but short lived so it’s not all that bad…
Using clouds to predict the weather is such an accessible activity to all people, you can even stay indoors or in your office if you like. Look out of the window, decide what type of cloud it is and see if your weather prediction comes true.
Have fun!