The Science Behind Cloud Shapes and Weather Predictions

Ever looked up and wondered why some clouds resemble cotton candy while others stretch out in long, gloomy sheets? Well, their shape, size, and height offer valuable clues about the weather.

Cumulus clouds

Those puffy, white clouds you see on sunny days indicate fair weather. However, if they grow tall and dark, they may transform into cumulonimbus, the storm clouds behind heavy rain and lightning.

Stratus clouds

These low, flat layers create a gray blanket over the sky, signaling overcast conditions and often bringing drizzle or light rain.

Cirrus clouds

High-altitude, wispy streaks that resemble feathers. When they thicken, they can hint at approaching storms.

By reading the clouds, meteorologists (and savvy sky-watchers) can make surprisingly accurate short-term weather predictions.

So next time you gaze at the sky, you might just see tomorrow’s forecast written in the clouds.