Got your head in the clouds? Well, that's exactly where I want you.
Clouds are fascinating to watch as they float through the sky. But what is even more intriguing is that their appearance can give insight into what the weather will be like in the near future.
Let’s dive into some cloud classification, so you can catch the hints Mother Nature is throwing your way.
How Are Clouds Classified?
Most clouds are classified by their shape and how high their base is off the ground - low, medium or high.
The lowest clouds fall into two major categories: cumulus and stratus. Cumulus are more puffy while stratus clouds are layered.
As you move up in the atmosphere, the prefix "alto" - which means tall or high - gets tacked on to their names.
And these aren’t even the highest clouds.
Those receive the prefix "cirro", as shown in the diagram below, which means "curl of hair" based on their wispy appearance.
Low
Cumulus
- These are your typical cotton ball-shaped clouds, known for being a cloud watcher's paradise. Cumulus clouds are often seen on days with blue skies and sunshine - a sign for a nice day spent outdoors.
Stratus
- These clouds are more uniform and flat, creating a gray gloomy layer. If thick enough, stratus clouds can produce a drizzle - so you may want to have your raincoat handy.
Medium
Altocumulus
- The defining characteristics of cumulus clouds are still apparent, these are just located a bit higher in the atmosphere. They often look like a gray patchy sheet made up of smaller rounded masses or rolls.
Altostratus
- These clouds form a thin layer that either totally or partially covers the sky. Due to their thin nature, the sun can often be seen shining through them, creating an eerie glow.
High
Cirrus
- Known for their wispy or feathery appearance, cirrus clouds are so high in the atmosphere that they are composed entirely of ice crystals. These are my personal favorite because they make for the best sunsets - often seen in yellow and red hues long after the sun sinks below the horizon.
Cirrocumulus
- These clouds look like a patchy sheet made up of grains or ripples - almost like tire tracks across the sky.
Cirrostratus
- Cirrostratus clouds have a veil-like appearance that is nearly transparent. This can create a halo effect as the sun or moon shines through the ice crystals.
Cumulonimbus
- Now these are the ones you want to watch out for because they will likely rain and storm on your parade. Cumulonimbus clouds shoot up through the atmosphere, creating a tower known as an anvil - a clear sign thunderstorms are in the forecast.
Think You’re Already A Cloud Pro?
Well, here are a few more uncommon cloud types you may not already know.
Lenticular
- These unusual clouds often look like flying saucers in the sky. They are formed as air blows over a mountain range, creating downstream ripples.
Mammatus
- Their pouch-like appearance will make you do a double take as they look straight out of a cartoon. Mammatus clouds are associated with thunderstorm activity and are often found on the underside of cumulonimbus clouds
Caitlin Kaiser graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology with both an undergraduate and graduate degree in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences before starting her career as a digital meteorologist with weather.com.