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Cloud Comprehension 101: How to predict the weather by observing clouds

What’s the weather today? To get the answer straight from forecasters, we simply go online, or get hold of other forms of media such as the television, radio, and newspaper.

But in remote areas where such ready information is unavailable, weather is predicted by cloud watching. This is true especially among farmers, whose cloud observation skills have helped them in managing their crops. As David Seidman, Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at the Northwestern University
wrote: Clouds are the harbingers of weather. Their shape, height, color, and sequence foretell coming events.

To get started on your weather forecasting journey, familiarize yourself with these clouds.

CIRRUS
These clouds are the most usual of the high clouds. Described as thin and often wispy, the higher these clouds are, the higher the chance of good weather.

Source; http://images.summitpost.org/
Source; http://images.summitpost.org/

CIRROSTRATUS
These clouds are so thin that through them, the sun and moon can be seen. When you see this type of clouds, expect weather changes within 12 to 24 hours. Just like cirrus and cirrocumulus clouds, cirrostratus clouds do not produce rain, but together with decreasing pressure, they signify worsening weather, particularly rain within the next 8 to 24 hours. This is especially true when there is an increase in thickness and amount of the lower clouds.

Source: http://static.panoramio.com/
Source: http://static.panoramio.com/

CIRROCUMULUS
These clouds appear in small and high patches. Composed of super-cool crystals, these typically bring fair but cold weather.

Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org
Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org

ALTO
Alto clouds, made of ice crystals and water droplets, frequently block sunlight. These clouds often form before the onslaught of storms with continuous rain.

Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org
Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org

ALTOSTRATUS

Altostratus clouds almost conceal the whole sky, and are usually gray and blue in color, signifying storms.

Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org
Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org

ALTOCUMULUS
Altocumulus clouds consist of super-cool water droplets. They don’t usually generate rain, but may indicate a weather change within a day or so. When you see these large fluffy sheets in the morning, blocking the sun, prepare for a thunderstorm sometime in the afternoon onwards.

Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org
Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org

STRATUS
Stratus clouds exist in the lower layer of the atmosphere. These clouds like to hang around just above tall buildings, blocking sunlight and bringing precipitation. Thick clouds mean heavy rain so if you see a huge gray blanket hanging low in the sky, it’s time to go inside.

Source:https://coclouds.com
Source:https://coclouds.com

STRATOCUMULUS
Stratocumulus clouds generally show up as a low, lumpy layer of clouds occasionally accompanied by a weak-intensity precipitation. To make the distinction between stratocumulus and altocumulus clouds, point your hand toward the cloud. If the cloud is about the size of your fist, then it is stratocumulus.
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NIMBOSTRATUS
Thick, dark, shapeless and solid in appearance, these clouds indicate heavy rain lasting for several hours.

Source: http://freebigpictures.com/
Source: http://freebigpictures.com/

So the next time you’re outdoors, look up! There’s more to clouds than just being sky ornaments; they are powerful weather predictors that can help you plan your day and ensure your safety.

Sources:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Predicting-Weather-with-Clouds/
https://www.theweathernetwork.com/news/articles/how-to-use-the-clouds-to-predict-the-weather/54385
http://thehomeschoolscientist.com/using-clouds-to-predict-the-weat

written by Panahon TV interns, Elaine Gonzales and Raleth Enriquez