Forecast Feature: Cloud visualisation

Up the top of our forecast graph there is a cloud visualisation tool. This helps you visualise how much of the sky will be covered in cloud, and whether it is wispy high cloud with lots of sunlight, or grey low cloud that makes it dark.

It is a representation of how much of the sky will be covered in cloud.

Separated into high cloud (the wispy white cloud high in the sky, known as cirrus, shown in white), mid level cloud (known as altocumulus or altostratus, shown in grey), and low cloud (known as cumulus, stratocumulus etc, shown in darker grey).

High level cloud is found above 6000 metres, mid level cloud is found between 2500 and 6000 metres, and low level cloud is found below 2500 metres.

In elevated areas (ie alpine snow resorts) low cloud equates to cloud on ground and determines visibility. A large percentage indicates poor visibility, while a low percentage indicates good visibility.

Image: UCAR

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