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| Taking off into a cloud-bedecked evening sky |
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| A B737-300 beneath high cirrostratus clouds |
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What we can learn from clouds
The language of clouds
Nearly every day we see clouds drifting over our heads. Some travel slowly, other faster. There are thin, wispy clouds, dark, heavy clouds, cirrocumulus clouds and entire cloud banks... A cloud is not just a cloud. The different types of clouds can tell us something about the weather over the next 48 hours. Instead of waiting for the weather forecast, sometimes all you have to do is check the sky. Find out how meteorologists classify the different cloud types. Learn exactly how clouds form and what the different formations mean. Then you will always be prepared for a trip outdoors, no matter where it takes you!
How clouds form
Clouds and their formations
Clouds are classified according to size, height, colour and the way in which they form. These factors play an enormous role in forecasting the weather. It is not at all easy being a professional meteorologist.
Clouds are classified according to four families: low, medium and high clouds as well as clouds that are several storeys tall. Each family includes different formations and additional subtypes. The regions of the world where the clouds occur are also important - the hot tropics, Europe's temperate latitudes or the cold polar zones.
Scientists divide clouds into the following types: stratus (St) = 'layered' clouds; cumulus (Cu) = cloud 'masses'; cirrus (Ci) = 'curled' clouds; and nimbus (Nn) = rain and thunderstorm clouds.
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