Clouds

[paul m]

Another thing that I once had an inkling of but have now forgotten is how to interpret clouds. These, taken one hour apart, looking north over Sheffield (one of the greener parts ).

Very fast moving clouds - not threatening.


Blue skies covered by these darkening clouds but not heavy enough to create rain?


Can anyone interpret clouds?

[caernerch]

depends what your smoking! these look like cumulus to me probably building to cumulo-nimbus possibly nimbus (big black ones) later. take an umbrella.
caernerch

[paul m]

Thanks. Next question.
I was reading something the other week about 'pseudo-cirrus' cloud formation due to airplane jetstreams. Is this what I've seen here - and the next three pictures?
Madrid skies - Wildlife Photography

[paul m]

So what sort of cloud is this of Scriber's?


I'm still looking for a website which illustrates the various cloud types and their implications for the weather. There's a fairly systematic one on Wiki but I find it rather confusing: Cloud - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

..... any alternatives?

[black]

There's quite a compact guide to clouds and other aspects of weather on Clouds R Us. Its designed for kids but don't let that put you off.
Cloud Watching

The clouds in Scribers photo look like Altocumulus aka mackerel sky. You can see some normal Cumulus cotton wool balls in the middle right of the photo.
I missed your Madrid Skies photos when you first uploaded them. They do look like Pseudo Cirrus. I saw a number of these at the weekend over Liverpool. I think with high pressure it takes a while for the vapour trails to dissipate so you get these formations.

[paul m]

That's great - just about my level - at least, a good starting point.
Thanks on the pseudocirrus - it's only lately that I've started cloud-watching so get rather disconcerted that planes seem to have as much effect on the skies as nature - especially, as here, on an airport flight path ....

Originally Posted by black

There's quite a compact guide to clouds and other aspects of weather on Clouds R Us. Its designed for kids but don't let that put you off.
Cloud Watching

The clouds in Scribers photo look like Altocumulus aka mackerel sky. You can see some normal Cumulus cotton wool balls in the middle right of the photo.
I missed your Madrid Skies photos when you first uploaded them. They do look like Pseudo Cirrus. I saw a number of these at the weekend over Liverpool. I think with high pressure it takes a while for the vapour trails to dissipate so you get these formations.