4 Types of clouds There are three basic types of clouds. These are: StratusCirrus Cumulus 2 Sky conditions Sky conditions consist of two main areas: cloud cover and the likelihood of precipitation. Cloud cover is based more on observations than calculations. The probability of precipitation is the probability of rain, snow, sleet or hail. Some clouds are as high as a jet; Others embrace the peaks of mountains. Some are white puffs and others are gray and lumpy. In total, there are three different types of clouds: high, medium and low. 1 Precipitation and sky conditionsS4E3 Students distinguish between water states and their relationship to the water cycle and weather. e. Examine different types of precipitation and sky conditions (rain, snow, sleet, hail, clouds and fog). Created for TCSS By observing clouds, you can often predict the weather to come! Check out our cloud guide with images of the most common cloud types in the sky (sorted by height and shape) – and what different weather cloud types predict! 17 Review of Cloud Types Let`s review some of the new words you`ve learned. The three red words in the table on the right are three types of clouds.
The word green tells us if a cloud contains precipitation. The two blue words, when added to the red words, tell us the height of a cloud. Sky state describes the predominant/average sky cover as a function of the percentage of sky covered by opaque (non-transparent) clouds. If a high probability of precipitation (60% or more) is forecast, the state of the sky may be omitted because it is derived from the precipitation forecast. 1. Stratus: Thin, grey-white, leaf-like clouds with low bases covering the entire sky. Weather forecast: good, but gloomy. They can bring drizzle or snow, but don`t give off too much precipitation because they`re so thin. To view this video, please enable JavaScript and consider switching to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The National Weather Service has regularly released forecasts for sky conditions, temperature, wind, and precipitation. The terminology used in these forecasts varies considerably. Below are descriptors of regularly used weather terms and their meanings to allow a better understanding of each forecast. Wind describes the dominant direction from which the wind blows, with speeds in miles per hour.
The wind forecast is included in the first three periods of the zone forecast. Fun fact: Sometimes it`s called a «mackerel sky» based on folklore: «Mare`s tails and mackerel scales make large ships set sail.» These clouds may precede the approach of a warm front. Warm fronts can bring winds and precipitation. Thus, a sailor could take his sails. UNDERSTAND THE WEATHER. The water cycle The amount of water vapor in the air is called humidity. When water evaporates and turns into air vapor, moisture becomes. 16 Hail occurs when small droplets of water are caught in the updraft of a thunderstorm.
These water droplets are lifted higher and higher in the sky until they freeze into ice. As soon as they become heavy, they begin to fall. 8 Altostratus and AltocumulusSometimes clouds can be at different altitudes than usual. For example, stratus, usually low, can also be at medium altitude. If they are, we call them Altostratus clouds. Ancient means center. And altostratus means stratus clouds in the median planes of the sky. When cumulus clouds are located in the midplanes of the sky, they are called altocumulus clouds. Precipitation probability (POPs) is defined as the probability (expressed as a percentage) that a measurable amount of liquid precipitation (or the water equivalent of frozen precipitation) will occur over a given period of time in the forecast zone. Measurable precipitation is equal to or greater than 0.01 inches.
Unless otherwise stated, the time limit is usually 12 hours. The NWS forecast uses categorical terms such as occasional, intermittent, or periods to describe a precipitation event that has a high probability of occurrence (80%+), but should be «on and off.» Bell ringing What is the dew point? How do you think this relates to clouds? Noreen, you are not normal, you are called ch em trails, you have to do your own research on them. 15 Sleet Sleet is rain that freezes when it falls. When the temperature near the Earth`s surface is below freezing, rain turns to ice before it hits the ground. Want to see more cloud photos? Imagine clouds in the shape of jellyfish and flying saucers! See clouds and rare images. 2. Cirrocumulus: Thin clouds that appear as small «cotton spots». Weather forecast: Good, but cold. In the tropics, potential hurricane! Types of clouds. Main classifications Cumulus – swollen clouds, which often have a flat base. Some call them «cauliflower clouds.» They often have the.
1. Cirrus: Thin, feather-like clouds that are strands of ice crystals.