Clouds and Weather Predictions 5th Grade Science

What are clouds? A cloud is made up of tiny water droplets and/or ice crystals. After water has evaporated, the water vapor is attracted to the cold temperatures at high altitudes. Water vapor, along with dust particles, form clouds in the troposphere.

Cloud Names Names of specific types of clouds are created by combining the name of the cloud's shape with the name of the cloud's height.

3 Main Types of Clouds Cumulus or fluffy clouds Cumulus means “pile or heap” These clouds are very puffy in appearance. Think: cumulus=Cool Whip

Usually associated with fair weather Usually associated with fair weather. When they pile up vertically, they can cause thunderstorms.

3 Main Types of Clouds Stratus means to “spread out” These are clouds that are flat and layered so that they can stretch out across the sky. Think: stratus=stretched

Only light rain or drizzle can fall from true Stratus clouds because they are so thin.

3 Main Types of Clouds Cirrus means “curl of hair” These are very wispy and feathery looking. These are composed of ice crystals that are so thin, the sun can pass right through them. Think: cirrus=Curly Sue

Cirrus clouds generally occur in fair weather.

Nimbus Clouds Nimbus means “rainy” You can add the word nimbus to the end of a cloud name and it means that it is raining. Think: nimbus=not good

Cumulonimbus

Cumulonimbus Dark clouds that pile on top of each other Produce severe weather heavy rain, hail, thunder lightning. Associated with tornadoes and hurricanes Sometimes called “Thunder Heads”

Name the cloud… These clouds are the highest clouds. They are thin and usually happen in fair weather. These clouds are good to see if you are planning a picnic lunch.

Name that cloud… These clouds form in the middle part of the cloud layer. They are big and puffy and are also associated with good weather. However, when these clouds pile up vertically, they bring thunder storms.

Name that cloud… These are the lowest clouds. Sometimes they are so low to the ground that they form fog. They are long, layered clouds. Light rain or drizzle usually fall from this type of cloud.

Name that cloud… What do clouds with the word “nimbus” in their name bring?

Categories of Heights There are three categories of heights of clouds: High Clouds = Cirrus Middle Clouds = Alto Low Clouds = Stratus

High Clouds Cirrus Cirrostratus Cirrocumulus Cirrus generally occur in fair weather and point in the direction of air movement at their elevation. Cirrus Cirrostratus Cirrocumulus

Cirrostratus

Cirrocumulus

Cirrus Clouds By watching cirrus clouds, you can tell from which direction the weather is approaching. These clouds are usually white and predict fair weather. Cirrostratus clouds usually form 12-24 hours before a storm is coming. Cirrocumulus clouds usually appear in the winter. They are present for fair, but cold weather.

Altostratus Altocumulus Middle Clouds Alto clouds are often a gray color and cover the entire sky. They form a few hours before heavy rain, snow or thunderstorms. Altostratus Altocumulus

Altostratus

Altostratus

Altocumulus

Alto Clouds Altostratus clouds usually form ahead of storms with continuous rain or snow. Altocumulus clouds usually form in groups. If you see altocumulus clouds on a warm, sticky morning, be prepared to see thunderstorms late in the afternoon.

Stratocumulus Nimbostratus Low Clouds Stratus clouds are not the same thing as fog. They often cover the entire sky, but do not touch the ground. Light mists or drizzles sometimes fall from these clouds. Stratocumulus Nimbostratus

Stratocumulus

Stratocumulus When these clouds are low, they are associated with fair weather. However, if they grow upward, they can develop into giant cumulonimbus clouds, or thunderstorm clouds.

Nimbostratus

Nimbostratus These are dark gray clouds associated with continuously falling rain or snow. They often produce precipitation that is usually light or moderate.

Cumulus Clouds These are the floating cotton balls that you see in the sky. They are present for fair weather, but can rise and become thunderstorm clouds. When they become thunderstorms, they are called cumulonimbus clouds.