Predicting the Weather with Clouds
Name
Picture
Prediction
High Clouds
Cirrus
curly or wispy
point in the direction
the wind is blowing
change in weather will occur within
24 hours
Cirrostratus
Cirrocumulus
come 12-24 hours before a rain or
snow storm
seen in the winter and
indicate fair, but cold, weather
In the tropics, they may
indicate an approaching hurricane.
Medium Clouds *** Something Coming ***
forms ahead of storms with
continuous rain or snow
Altostratus
cold front coming
Altocumulus
if warm thunderstorm
coming
Low Clouds
Stratus
layered
light mist or
drizzle
cloud touching
the ground - fog
Rain rarely occurs.
Stratocumulus
can turn into Nimbostratus
Nimbostratus
rain or
snow
Vertical Clouds
Cumulus
low "fair weather" clouds
fluffy like popcorn
heavy rain, snow, hail, lightning,
and tornadoes
Cumulonimbus