How to Tell If a Storm Is Approaching by The Clouds

Measurable weather indicators are Barometric pressure, wind velocity, wind direction, temperature and moisture in the air. I'm going to explain visible indicators that a storm is coming. There are several pieces of equipment that you can purchase but just using your eyes is another way to predict if a storm is approaching.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Your eyes
• practice
• patience

1. 
    

   First set of clouds are the most popular clouds the are called "Cumulus."
   Description : Cumulus clouds are often called "PUFFY" clouds, looking a lot like cotton. Their thickness(bottom to the top) is usually equal to or greater than their width. Cumulus clouds are primary composed of water droplets that cause them to have sharp edges.
   
   These clouds usually indicate instability at the altitude of atmosphere where they are found. They tell you that you have a violent heavy rain or snow approaching.

2. 
    

   Next set of clouds are "STRATUS" clouds.
   Description: stratus clouds are layered often appearing flattened with greater horizontal that vertical dimensions.
   
   They usually indicate a stable atmosphere, but can indicate the approach of a storm. Stormy weather associated with stratus clouds usually does not normally include violent winder, and precipitation is usually light but steady lasting up to 36 hours. Lightning is rarely found with stratus clouds.

3. 
    

   Next set of clouds "Altocumulus" these are considered middle clouds appear less distinct than low clouds because of their height, warm "alto" clouds have sharp edges and are composed of mainly of water droplets.
   
   Indicate potential storms, though usually hours away. Altocumulus clouds that are scattered in a blue sky are call "fair weather." Lowering altostratus clouds with winds from the south indicate warm front conditions, decreasing air pressure and an approaching storm within 12-24 hours.

4. 
    

   Next clouds a "Cirrocumulas" these clouds indicate moisture and the approach of a storm system. Precipitation is often 24-36 hours away. As the storm approaches, these clouds thicken and lowers becoming Altostratus . Temperatures warm, humidity rises ans winds approach from the south or southeast.

5. 
    

   Next set of clouds are serious weather clouds called "Cumulus" clouds. They are the most dangerous of all types and usually do not occur when temperatures at the surface are below 32 degrees F. Although exception can occur in some types of local temperature inversions. They indicate extreme instability in the atmosphere with rapidly rising air currents caused by solar heating of the surface of air rising over a mountain barrier.

Tips & Warnings

• Understanding temperature changes and wind directions and clouds are a good method to learn while being outdoors. There are great books that go more in depth if you are interested in forecasting weather at your local library.
• This article is very basic, please do not rely on these methods if you are considering traveling in the mountains or traveling by sea. Always prepare for the worst and hope for the best in any situation when its man vs nature.

[williamfjordan]

on 10/22/2009 great cloud information ... 5*

[mdue]

on 10/5/2009 Great article! Interested information 5*

[judymasse]

on 10/5/2009 So cool and excellent coverage here!

[YuliyaDaniels]

on 9/30/2009 thanks

[YuliyaDaniels]

on 9/30/2009 thanks