High Level Clouds
Clouds are a part of weather that is inescapable. And while they can be beautiful at times and at other times they can be quite scary, some clouds can actually give you a clue as to the weather that is coming up in the near future. In fact the clouds we are going to discuss in this article actually give you a heads up as to what weather that you will likely experience soon. Lets dig in!
Cirrus Clouds:
These clouds are high level clouds that appear/develop over 20,000 feet up in the atmosphere. These are made up of ice crystals in the upper levels of the atmosphere. These do not produce any precipitation that reaches the ground. Any precip. that these produce will evaporate before it reaches the ground. However these clouds are often a sign of an approaching warm front, a dying thunderstorm or approaching tropical storm system. These clouds also serve as a blanket over the atmosphere. It makes it hard (even at night) for the temperatures to cool off.
Cirrostratus Clouds:
These clouds are similar to Cirrus Clouds, These clouds are thick, but not dense. They are enough to cover the sky but not enough to prevent you from seeing the sun through them. These clouds are also an indication that significant precipitation will follow within the next 24-48 hours. Rain or snow. These clouds also serve as a blanket over the atmosphere and prevent temperatures from dropping too much even at night.
Cirrocumulus Clouds:
These Clouds also develop 20,000 feet up in the atmosphere. But unlike there predecessors these are not an indication that any precipitation is on the way. They actually usually only develop in cooler climates. Usually in winter. They often indicate calm or fair weather is present and will be present. These clouds can form quickly but they also can be gone quickly. They don’t last long.
We just went over 3 different type of clouds that can, when understood, give you a clear indication of the weather that you are presently or about to receive and help you prepare for what is to come. More reason that we should all “Learn about weather, don’t be caught off guard”.