How Do Different Cloud Formations Affect Weather & Climate?
Will you need an umbrella? Is it going to be a good day to enjoy outdoor activities? Learn to identify three basic cloud types and you'll be able to predict the kind of weather to expect.
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Stratus
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Stratus clouds are low, gray clouds that cover the whole sky. They look like fog that doesn't quite reach the ground. Rain does not fall from stratus clouds, but the air feels damp and there may be some slight drizzle. Nimbostratus clouds also hang low. They are dark gray and are associated with rain or snow.
Altostratus and Altocumulus
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These are middle-level clouds. Altostratus clouds are made of water droplets and ice crystals, and usually cover the whole sky. Altocumulus clouds are puffy and gray, and they indicate a thunderstorm is on the way.
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Cirrus
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High, wispy cirrus clouds tell you the weather will be fair. The wind blows thin, wispy cirrus clouds across they sky, west to east, at a very high altitude. When you see cirrus clouds, you know the day will be fair.
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- Photo Credit leaden clouds. grey clouds and blue sky image by Aleksandr Ugorenkov from Fotolia.com
