Sunday’s skies offered a breathtaking display, especially with the appearance of delicate cirrocumulus clouds. These high-altitude clouds, residing 16,500 to 45,000 feet above the Earth, are composed entirely of ice crystals. Specifically, these were cirrocumulus stratiformis clouds. The term “stratiformis,” derived from Latin, signifies a layer-like formation, in this instance, an extensive cloud layer rather than isolated patches.
A closer examination of the photographs reveals lacy, honeycomb-like patterns on the right side, a feature known as “lacunosus.” This term describes pits, gaps, or missing spaces within the cloud structure. The lacunosus feature is relatively rare and fleeting.
These cirrocumulus stratiformis clouds emerged after a period of foggy mornings characterized by stratus clouds and hot, sunny days. Meteorologically, their presence often signals an impending change in the weather, typically rain within 12-24 hours. True to form, Monday morning brought rain. An evolution of clouds likely unfolded during the night, transitioning from high cirrocumulus to mid-level altostratus and finally to low nimbostratus clouds, the harbingers of rain. For accurate weather prediction the “Guide to the Sky” poster can be really helpful.
Identifying clouds accurately often requires a range of resources. Alongside observing the sky, a “Guide to the Sky” poster proves invaluable. The Cloudspotter’s Guide, the Weather Identification Handbook, and the Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Weather are other great tools. These resources offer detailed photographs and descriptions of diverse cloud types and formations. Using a combination of resources ensures better and more accurate cloud identification.
The “Guide to the Sky” poster serves as a quick reference for understanding cloud formations and their associated weather patterns. Posters often include detailed diagrams of various cloud types, their altitudes, and the atmospheric conditions that lead to their formation. This visual guide is especially helpful for beginners, providing a simplified way to correlate cloud shapes with potential weather changes.
While a comprehensive field guide dedicated solely to clouds doesn’t exist due to their ever-changing nature, learning to identify clouds is a rewarding endeavor.
In summary, observing and identifying clouds can be a fascinating pursuit, offering insights into weather patterns and atmospheric dynamics. Utilize tools such as the “Guide to the Sky” poster and reference books to enhance your cloud-spotting skills. By combining visual observation with reliable resources, you can unlock the secrets of the sky.
