Meteorologists pay a great deal of attention to the formation of clouds. Clouds (and fog) form when water vapor condensed around dust or smoke. Clouds may change very quickly and indicate a consequent change in the weather. The shape of the cloud often depends on the altitude. Remember the key to cloud watching is to notice any changes in the cloud formation. If clouds are getting thicker and racing across the sky, there is a good chance that a storm is on the way.

 Types of clouds:

There are three main types of clouds:

Sometimes the the word nimbus is added to the cloud name forming a new name such as cumulonimbus. Nimbus clouds are rainy and gray. Nimbus is from the Latin nimbus, which means heavy rain or rain cloud. 

The prefix alto (which means high) may be added to the cloud name, for example, altocumulus.

How high are the clouds in the sky?

This can be estimated by looking at how high they seem compared to surrounding hills . Also, the faster clouds move across the sky, the lower the clouds.

Quiz:

Match the cloud with the weather that usually follows:

Altostratus -- Thick layer of cloud [Precipitation (rain or snow) soon -- over a large area.]

Cirrus [seen after a thunderstorm]

Patches of cumulus clouds [No significant difference in weather]

Cumulonimbus [Thunderstorms approaching]

For more practice at reading the clouds visit Miss Figgerbottom.