Cloudspotter’s Field Guide

A six-image beginner field guide to identifying Nimbostratus by its hidden Sun, featureless layer, and steady precipitation while understanding its lower base and look-alikes.

A beginner-friendly field guide to spotting cirrostratus, understanding its ice-crystal veil, and separating it from cirrus and altostratus.

Learn to identify smooth lenticular clouds, see how mountain waves make them appear stationary, and read what they reveal about airflow and turbulence.

Learn to identify Cumulus humilis, understand how convection builds its flat base, and tell when a harmless-looking cloud is starting to grow.