Usually, there is always some sort of cloud in the sky at any given time during the year. A lot of people stare into the clouds for many reasons. They try to make out shapes of the clouds and relate them to items that have the same form. People tend to stare into the clouds to daydream and escape reality. The clouds are beautiful and they come in many different shapes, sizes and colors. However, did you know that you can actually forecast the weather just by looking at the clouds? It is really that simple!

Cirrus

These white feathery clouds usually spread across the sky. You can usually see the blue sky right through them and they streak across the daytime sky for miles. They are quite pleasant and they should be! These clouds indicate that fair weather is around or near where they are seen. So if you see these clouds during the spring or summer, then you know it would be fine to wear shorts and a t-shirt on that day.

Cirro-Cumulus

These clouds act like Cirrus clouds but they have more of a ripple do them. If you see ripples of these clouds in the sky, you might want to think about what is to come and prepare for it. These clouds indicate that rain is coming to the area. It also means that a storm will be likely as well.

Cumulonimbus

These clouds are storm clouds! When you see these clouds, it is likely that a storm is occurring underneath them or it is about to. If you see a cloud that looks like a mushroom cloud, chances are it is a super cellular severe thunderstorm. These clouds are tall and look like anchors in the sky. The more severe ones take a mushroom cloud shape. If the cauliflower-like top is getting more defined, this means the storm is intensifying. If the top is starting to fuzz out or getting less defines, that means the storm is getting weaker. These types of clouds can produce severe weather including tornadoes.

Mammatus

These look like egg crates or several ball-like protrusions pointing down towards the surface. When people spot these clouds it is usually during severe weather. Don’t panic when you see these types of clouds! They indicate that the storm is moving away from you and that you will see the threat ending soon. They are the better clouds to see during severe weather because it’s likely everything will get better at that point.

There are even more that tell us more about the weather. A simple Google search of the topic will allow you to see more as well as photos of them so you can be an expert of cloud weather forecasting. Knowing these sorts of things will help you out when you are nowhere near a TV or radio to find out what weather is ahead of you and your area.

Shawn Gossman is the founder of http://www.SkywarnForum.com the official message forum for the National Skywarn Program website. Shawn has been a Skywarn storm spotter and storm chaser for over 15 years.