Using Clouds To Predict The Weather

how to use clouds to predict the weather

For centuries, people have been using clouds to predict the weather. For instance, high wispy cirrus clouds, sometimes called mares’ tails, meant that within 24 hours the weather was going to change. A sky full of white clouds that look like huge balls of cotton meant that the weather was going to be good that day.

Teach your kids how to be weather forecasters. Clouds aren’t just pretty to look at. They affect the weather in various ways. They can cause the earth’s temperature to fluctuate and they affect precipitation. Let’s look at these in more detail.

Cirrus Clouds

Cirrus clouds are those high wispy clouds you see high in the sky. They form at about 20,000 feet (or 6,000 meters.)

Cirrus clouds are thin and wispy clouds that appear high in the sky, often at altitudes of 20,000 feet (6,100 meters) or more. They are composed of ice crystals and are usually white, but you may also see light gray cirrus clouds. Cirrus clouds are often associated with fair weather, but can also be an indication of an approaching storm.

Cirrus clouds have a distinct “wispy” appearance. They kind of look like the ends long strands of hair spreading out into the atmosphere.

They are formed by the rising of moist air that then freezes at high altitudes. Cirrus clouds can also be seen in the after a storm, because they are carried by strong winds and can linger in the sky long after the storm has passed.

Cirrus clouds can be a sign of an approaching weather system, as they can indicate changes in atmospheric pressure and humidity. They are often considered to be a “high, thin veil” of clouds, and can sometimes create a “halo” effect around the sun or moon.

Seeing a few in the sky mean that fair weather is on the way. If the cirrus clouds are growing in number and almost cover the sky, look for rain within 24 hours.

Altocumulus Clouds

Altocumulus clouds are mid-level clouds that look like a layer of white and gray puffy cotton across the sky. The presence of these clouds on warm, humid mornings may mean afternoon rain is on its way.

Altocumulus clouds are mid-level clouds that typically form between 6,500 and 20,000 feet (2,000 and 6,100 meters) above the Earth’s surface. They are usually white or gray and appear as rounded and puffy with well-defined edges. Altocumulus clouds are composed of water droplets and/or ice crystals and are often associated with fair weather, but can also mean a storm is approaching.

Altocumulus clouds can occur in various forms, including individual cloudlets or groups of clouds. They may have a wave-like pattern or parallel bands, and can create a beautiful effect during sunrises and sunsets, with hues of orange, pink, and red.

Altocumulus clouds are often compared to a flock of sheep, hence the nickname “sheepback” clouds. They are categorized as a type of cumulus cloud.

Cumulus Clouds

Cumulus clouds are fair weather clouds when they are like fluffy mounds of white cotton in a blue sky. (They remind me of the clouds on the beginning of the Simpsons.)

Sometimes, cumulus clouds can build vertically into what is called cumulus congestus. These clouds resemble a head of cauliflower in shape. They are still considered fair weather clouds, but are capable of causing a short rain shower.

Cumulonimbus Clouds

Cumulonimbus clouds are sometimes called “thunder heads”. They are huge towering clouds with dark bottoms capable of producing wind, rain, lightening, hail and tornadoes. These are the most dangerous of the clouds.

Stratus Clouds

Stratus clouds are low, gray clouds that mean cold, misty rain or snow. Sometimes these clouds reach the ground and form fog.

More Weather Study Information

Get more cloud and weather information and links from the Studying The Weather post or from The Homeschool Scientist’s Weather Science Pinterest board.

Weather Predictions Project

Now comes the fun part. With your children’s new found cloud knowledge, head outside.

Look at the clouds.
Determine what type of clouds they are.
Take pictures or make drawings of the sky.
What do those clouds tell us about the weather?
Have each child make a weather prediction. Record the predictions. Go back later to see if the predictions were correct.
Keep a weather notebook and record the cloud types and predictions. Make a note about other weather factors like temperature, humidity and precipitation.