do clouds travel far

How far can a cloud travel?

We’ve all played the “what does that cloud look like” game. Maybe you saw a bunny… or an airplane… or a unicorn. What if that same cloud could also be seen by someone in a far off continent? That’s what a listener in Minnesota wondered. He wanted to know if the same cloud he saw in a park near his house could also be seen in Africa.

We talk to Deanna Hence, one of our favorite weather experts, and she tells us about how clouds travel. We also dust off the Zoom Ray to learn about what is inside of a cloud. And have you ever noticed the similarities between cloud types, like cumulonimbus, and magic spells from Harry Potter ? Well, we have, and we made a game out of it!

We also have a brand new Mystery Sound for your guessing pleasure and a Moment of Um that answers the question: Why do pugs have such scrunchy faces?

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Basic Facts Everyone Should Know About Clouds

• Understanding Your Forecast
• Storms & Other Phenomena

• B.S., Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, University of North Carolina

Clouds may look like big, fluffy marshmallows in the sky, but in reality, they are visible collections of tiny water droplets (or ice crystals, if it's cold enough) that live high in the atmosphere above the Earth's surface. Here, we discuss the science of clouds: how they form, move, and change color. 

Clouds form when a parcel of air rises from the surface up into the atmosphere. As the parcel ascends, it passes through lower and lower pressure levels (pressure decreases with height). Recall that air tends to move from higher to lower pressure areas, so as the parcel travels into lower pressure areas, the air inside of it pushes outward, causing it to expand. This expansion uses heat energy, and therefore cools the air parcel. The farther upward it travels, the more it cools. When its temperature cools to that of its dew point temperature, the water vapor inside of the parcel condenses into droplets of liquid water. These droplets then collect on the surfaces of dust, pollen, smoke, dirt, and sea salt particles called nuclei . (These nuclei are hygroscopic, meaning they attract water molecules.) It is at this point—when water vapor condenses and settles onto condensation nuclei—that clouds form and become visible.

Have you ever watched a cloud long enough to see it expanding outward, or looked away for a moment only to find that when you look back its shape has changed? If so, you'll be glad to know it isn't your imagination. The shapes of clouds are ever-changing thanks to the processes of condensation and evaporation.

After a cloud forms, condensation doesn't stop. This is why we sometimes notice clouds expanding into the neighboring sky. But as currents of warm, moist air continue to rise and feed condensation, drier air from the surrounding environment eventually infiltrates the buoyant column of air in a process called entrainment . When this drier air is introduced into the cloud body, it evaporates the cloud's droplets and causes parts of the cloud to dissipate.

Clouds start out high up in the atmosphere because that's where they're created, but they remain suspended thanks to the tiny particles they contain.

A cloud's water droplets or ice crystals are very small, less than a micron (that's less than one-millionth of a meter). Because of this, they respond very slowly to gravity . To help visualize this concept, consider a rock and a feather. Gravity affects each, however the rock falls quickly whereas the feather gradually drifts to the ground because of its lighter weight. Now compare a feather and an individual cloud droplet particle; the particle will take even longer than the feather to fall, and because of the particle's tiny size, the slightest movement of air will keep it aloft. Because this applies to each cloud droplet, it applies to the entire cloud itself.

Clouds travel with the upper-level winds . They move at the same speed and in the same direction as the prevailing wind at the cloud's level (low, middle, or high).

High-level clouds are among the fastest moving because they form near the top of the troposphere and are pushed by the jet stream.

A cloud's color is determined by the light it receives from the Sun. (Recall that the Sun emits white light; that white light is made up of all the colors in the visible spectrum: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet; and that each color in the visible spectrum represents an electromagnetic wave of a different length.)

The process works like this: As the Sun's lightwaves pass through the atmosphere and clouds , they meet the individual water droplets that make up a cloud. Because the water droplets have a similar size as the wavelength of sunlight, the droplets scatter the Sun's light in a type of scattering known as Mie scattering in which all wavelengths of light are scattered. Because all wavelengths are scattered, and together all colors in the spectrum make up white light, we see white clouds.

In the case of thicker clouds, such as stratus, sunlight passes through but is blocked. This gives the cloud a grayish appearance.

• How Do Clouds Form? Cloud Ingredients and Formation
• The Science Behind Fog
• The Science of Snowflakes Explained
• The Chemistry of Weather: Condensation and Evaporation
• Thunderstorm Versus Tornado Versus Hurricane: Comparing Storms
• Can It Be Too Cold to Snow?
• How to Make a Cloud in a Bottle
• What Is the Difference Between Steam and Smoke?
• Solar Radiation and the Earth's Albedo
• Cloud in a Bottle Demonstration
• The Green Flash Phenomenon and How to See It
• How Much Does a Cloud Weigh?
• The Hydrologic Cycle
• Air Pressure and How It Affects the Weather
• List of Phase Changes Between States of Matter
• Snowflake Chemistry - Answers to Common Questions

• September 18, 2019
• Uncategorized

The Science Behind Moving Clouds: Why and How Fast Do Clouds Move?

If you’ve ever been outside on a fairly cloudy day, you might have noticed that clouds hardly ever stay still. Sometimes, you might see them moving ever so slightly, like you wouldn’t notice they were moving until you looked away and looked back up a few minutes later. Other times, you might have also seen a cloud visibly moving across the sky.

The truth, however, is that clouds aren’t actively moving on their own. What you’re looking at is actually the product of condensed water vapor being blown away by the atmosphere in the sky. In this article, we’re going to explain why clouds move and how wind determines the speed of how fast (or slow) clouds move and how that also determines clouds’ shape.

Are Clouds Moving or Is the Earth Just Spinning?

A big misconception a lot of people have is that when you see clouds move , they’re not actually moving. Rather, it’s supposed to be the Earth spinning around and what we actually see is the sky spinning around the clouds, not the other way around.

While the Earth’s spinning does have an effect, you’re not seeing the Earth spinning. Because of gravity, you don’t feel that you’re moving 1600 kilometers per hour while you sit still, right? Because that’s the speed of the Earth spinning, assuming you live near the equator (the speed is much slower if you live closer to the North and South Pole).

But the Earth’s spinning does have an effect on how you see the clouds moving because its spin affects the wind, even in high altitudes. And it’s that wind that makes clouds move in certain directions. In common cases, you can see that the clouds are moving in the direction the wind is passing.

However, it’s common to feel the wind heading east but see the clouds moving west. This is because the winds up there aren’t always moving in the same direction as the wind down here. The random winds can be due to several factors like air movement, and heat from the sun.

How Clouds Are Formed

We’ve covered how clouds are created in a previous article Flat Clouds, Round Clouds, Wispy Clouds: The Science Behind Clouds and Their Shapes , but here’s a quick recap: clouds are formed as part of the water cycle when water vapors float up the air to a certain altitude in the sky.

The sun heats up the ground and evaporates water via evaporation and transpiration. When this vapor reaches a certain altitude, the air has become too cold for the moisture to rise up, so it condenses into the water droplets and ice crystals that make up the clouds.

There are various factors that affect a cloud’s shape. If more water vapor continues to float up, it can push older water droplets upwards, forming a cloud with a puffy top. If you’ve noticed how most clouds have a flat base, this flat line is actually the point where the atmosphere starts to get too cold for vapor.

Wind can also affect the shape of a cloud. Because it’s possible for wind to randomly move around clouds, it can push two clouds together, separate chunks off a cloud, or make some parts of a cloud look thin and wispy.

How Fast Do Clouds Move?

Technically, it’s not the clouds that are moving. Rather, it’s the wind and air that passes through or around the clouds that make it appear like it is the one moving. In reality, if a cloud were to remain in the same place with no wind moving on it, its temperature wouldn’t be cold enough to condense water droplets and it would have remained as water vapor.

Therefore, a cloud moves as fast as the wind moves. However, not all clouds can be moved around. If there is plenty of moisture, water droplets, and ice crystals to form fluffy-looking opaque clouds, the density of the cloud can withstand strong speeds. But if the clouds are thin and wispy, strong winds can break apart the clouds.

Clouds During Rain

Because warm air has more moisture than cold air, when cold air passes through it, it drops in temperature to a point where the vapor condenses, causing it to rain. The reason why you feel that the air is slightly warm and humid before it rains is because of the air in high altitude is the cold air sweeping upwards, leaving the warm moisture-filled air at the bottom.

Vertical vs. Horizontal Movement

Usually, you’ll find clouds moving horizontally. If you see a cloud on the left side of a mountain one minute, depending on the wind speed, you might eventually see that it has moved to the right side. This horizontal movement is due to wind.

However, it’s possible to notice clouds moving vertically. That is, at one point you might see a cloud much lower slightly rise up further in the sky. This is due to convection, which is rising hot air from the ground moving upwards. This hot air can cause clouds to move upwards where the air is colder.

To sum it up, clouds aren’t really moving, technically. What you do see, however, is the act of water vapor condensing at a certain altitude while also being moved by the wind. While there’s generally no need to be concerned by moving clouds, the speed of its movement can be an indicator of the current or upcoming weather. However, this isn’t always accurate, so it’s best to check in with your local news report or weather app to provide better, more accurate details on the possible weather later in the day.

Alex Mitchell

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Clouds are a fascinating phenomenon that captivates our attention as they drift across the sky. Have you ever wondered how fast these fluffy masses move? In this article, we will delve into the world of cloud dynamics and explore the factors that influence their speed. From wind patterns to altitude variations, there are several intriguing elements at play. So, let’s embark on this meteorological journey and unravel the secrets behind how fast do the clouds move?

How Fast Do the Clouds Move? Exploring the Basics

Clouds, being composed of water droplets or ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere, do not have a fixed speed of movement. Their velocity depends on various factors, including wind speed and direction, cloud type, and atmospheric conditions. Generally, clouds move at different speeds at different altitudes. Higher-altitude clouds tend to move faster than lower-altitude ones due to stronger winds aloft.

On average, low-level clouds, such as cumulus clouds, tend to move at speeds of around 10 to 20 miles per hour ( 16 to 32 kilometers per hour). However, higher-level clouds, like cirrus clouds, can travel much faster, often exceeding 100 miles per hour ( 160 kilometers per hour).

Wind Speed: A Major Player in Cloud Movement

Wind plays a crucial role in determining the speed at which clouds move. The prevailing wind patterns in the atmosphere carry clouds along. The wind speed at different altitudes can vary, leading to variations in cloud speed. Stronger winds will propel clouds at a faster pace, while lighter winds will result in slower movement.

Influence of Cloud Type on Movement

Different types of “clouds” have distinctive characteristics that affect their speed of movement. Cumulus clouds, for example, are known for their rapid motion, often appearing to dance across the sky . These fluffy, cotton-like clouds are driven by convective currents in the lower atmosphere. On the other hand, ‘stratus clouds’ , which form in layers, tend to move more slowly due to their widespread and stable nature.

How Do Meteorologists Measure Cloud Speed?

Meteorologists employ various techniques to measure the speed at which clouds move. One commonly used method is visual observation. By tracking the movement of clouds against a fixed reference point, such as a tree or building, meteorologists can estimate their speed. Additionally, remote sensing technologies, such as weather radars and satellites , provide valuable data for determining cloud motion over larger geographic areas.

Factors Influencing Cloud Speed

Several factors contribute to the speed at which clouds move. Let’s take a closer look at some of these influential elements:

1. Wind Shear

Wind shear refers to the change in wind speed or direction with altitude. Strong wind shears can cause clouds to disperse or stretch out, leading to faster movement. Conversely, weak wind shears may result in slower cloud speeds.

2. Atmospheric Stability

The stability of the atmosphere plays a significant role in cloud movement. Stable atmospheric conditions tend to hinder cloud motion, whereas unstable conditions, characterized by rising air currents, can accelerate cloud speed.

3. Frontal Systems

When a weather front passes through an area, it can influence cloud movement. The convergence of air masses along the front can create turbulent conditions, causing clouds to move faster as they interact with the changing weather patterns.

4. Topography

The shape of the land surface, such as mountains or valleys, can impact cloud movement. As air encounters topographic features, it can be forced to rise or descend, affecting cloud speed and direction.

5. Altitude Variations

Clouds at different altitudes experience varying wind speeds, which leads to differences in their movement. Higher altitude clouds, such as cirrus clouds, can be propelled by strong winds in the upper atmosphere, resulting in faster speeds.

6. Seasonal Variations

Seasonal changes can also influence cloud movement. For example, during certain times of the year, prevailing winds may be stronger or more consistent, affecting the speed at which clouds move across the sky.

FAQs about Cloud Movement

Here are some frequently asked questions about how fast clouds move, along with their answers:

Cumulus clouds tend to move faster than stratus clouds. This is because cumulus clouds are often driven by convective currents, while stratus clouds are more stable and spread out, resulting in slower movement.

Clouds generally move in the direction of the prevailing winds at their altitude. However, local weather systems, such as thunderstorms or frontal boundaries, can cause clouds to move in different directions within a specific area.

Yes, cloud movement is an essential indicator of atmospheric conditions and can be used to predict weather patterns. Changes in cloud speed and direction can signal the approach of a weather system, such as a storm or frontal boundary.

Yes, it is possible for clouds to move faster than the surface wind speed. This phenomenon occurs due to differences in wind speed at different altitudes. While surface winds may be relatively calm, higher-altitude winds can carry clouds at a faster pace.

Yes, there are various weather apps and websites that provide real-time cloud tracking and movement information. These tools utilize weather radar data and satellite imagery to visualize cloud patterns and their speed across different locations.

Cloud movement influences the distribution of sunlight and heat across the Earth’s surface. The movement of clouds can impact local weather patterns, precipitation, and temperature variations, ultimately contributing to the climate of a region.

The cloud movement is a mesmerizing aspect of our atmosphere, showcasing the dynamic nature of our planet’s weather systems. While clouds do not have a fixed speed, their velocity is influenced by factors such as wind speed, cloud type, atmospheric stability, and altitude variations. By understanding these dynamics, we gain insights into the intricate interplay between clouds and the ever-changing atmospheric conditions. So, next time you gaze up at the sky and marvel at the drifting clouds, you can appreciate the myriad forces that shape their movement.

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Clouds, explained

From thin wisps to threatening thunderheads, clouds tease our imaginations and play a critical role for life on earth..

From giant puffs billowing toward the sun to thin wisps slinking past the moon, clouds come in countless shapes and sizes. This makes them wonderful fodder for the imagination—at some point, hasn’t everyone looked heavenward and seen a fire-breathing dragon floating by? Aside from sparking creativity, clouds serve several important scientific purposes, from helping meteorologists predict the weather – to facilitating life on Earth.

Recipe for a cloud

The building blocks of clouds are water and particles —of dust, dirt, or sea salt—known as cloud condensation nuclei. These nuclei are everywhere in the atmosphere. They attract water vapor and as they ascend the vapour condenses to form liquid water or ice, which results in the formation of tiny globules called cloud droplets. Much smaller than raindrops, cloud droplets are extremely light and amass while they float , mixing with air to form the fluffy formations we see suspended in the sky .

Cloud atlas

Clouds generally form within the troposphere, or the layer of atmosphere closest to the earth. As they rise and fall, they may appear in infinite variations. To create some order scientists have established three broad categories into which most clouds can be grouped.

At the upper reaches of the troposphere you’ll find high clouds, which, depending on geographic location, occur between roughly 10,000 and 60,000 feet. Below that is the home of mid-level clouds, which generally occur between 6,000 and 25,000 feet. Finally, closest to Earth’s surface are low clouds, which hover at or below 6,500 feet.

“Clouds serve several important scientific purposes, from helping meteorologists predict the weather – to facilitating life on Earth.”

Within each of these three tiers, scientists further organise clouds into ten broad categories based on the general shapes the clouds take.

High clouds are classified as either cirrus, cirrostratus, or cirrocumulus. Cirrus clouds are made of ice crystals and appear thin, white, and wispy. Cirrostratus clouds are whitish and transparent and tend to blanket the whole sky, sometimes creating a halo effect around the sun or moon. Cirrocumulus clouds are also white and can be sheet-like and rippled.

Mid-level clouds are usually gray and are identified as either altocumulus, altostratus, or nimbostratus. Altocumulus clouds are full of liquid water but generally do not produce rain. They are patchy and often appear as ripples or rows. Altostratus clouds cover the sky but are darker than cirrostratus clouds and may give the sun or moon a fuzzy appearance. Altostratus clouds may portend a storm. Nimbostratus clouds are thick and dark and can produce both rain and snow.

Low clouds fall into four divisions: cumulus, stratus, cumulonimbus, and stratocumulus. Cumulus clouds are a cloud-spotting favorite: They are big, white, and cottony and—depending on your imagination—may look like a bear, an apple, or any other familiar object. Cumulonimbus clouds are heavy and dense; they tend to build dramatically upward and are often harbingers of thunderstorms, hail, or tornadoes. Stratus clouds appear as a thin gray layer in the sky. Stratocumulus clouds are patchy, gray and white, and usually resemble a honeycomb.

Clouds beyond

Of course, all of the clouds that exist can’t be contained within such limited parameters. Ever see one that looks like undulating waves? That’s called a Kelvin-Helmholtz cloud, named for the physicists who first studied its flowing formation. How about those pouch-like protrusions bulging from underneath larger clouds? Those are called mammatus clouds . Contrails are long bands of clouds produced by aircraft . Otherworldly looking lenticular clouds resemble stacks of giant disks rising in the sky.

No matter what shape or size they are, clouds are essential to life on Earth. During the day they help protect us from the sun’s intense heat. At night they act as a blanket to keep us from getting too cold. They also provide precipitation and signal weather changes and patterns.

But clouds aren’t unique to our planet. Astrophysicists who study atmospheres on other planets know that Mars, for example, has clouds similar to ours. Continuing to learn about weather on other worlds, they believe, will help us better understand—and predict—our own.

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Direction and speed of movement

• Introduction
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By convention, the direction of movement of a cloud is the direction from which the cloud moves. For example, if a cloud moves from south-west to north-east, the recorded direction of movement is “south-west”. The speed of a cloud is the speed of its horizontal movement.

An observation of the sky should report the direction and, whenever possible, the speed of movement of the clouds or their macroscopic elements. In most cases, this is also a good approximation of the direction and speed of the wind at cloud level. It is possible for the movement of a cloud as a whole to be very different from the movement of its macroscopic elements, particularly in the case of orographic clouds. When such a difference is observed, it should be reported.

The text enclosed in grey-shaded boxes, like this example, comprises Annex I to the Technical Regulations (WMO-No. 49) and has the legal status of standard practices and procedures.

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How Do Clouds Move Around The World?

What are Clouds?

Clouds are large collections of water droplets that can be frozen, but only sometimes. They form due to condensation, when water evaporates into a gas and cools down above the Earth. Then, the water drops attach to pieces of dust or dirt that are above the Earth. As more droplets attach to one piece of debris, they form a water drop. Then, when the cloud gets heavy and full of water, it rains or snows!

How Do Clouds Move Around the World?

Clouds can travel up to hundreds miles! They usually travel because of upper-level winds and through the Jet Stream. The Jet Stream is a huge blanket of air in Earth’s atmosphere that moves clouds and storms around. Clouds can also move around due to hurricanes. Hurricanes can travel up to 3,000 miles! They can carry storm clouds from Africa, all the way to the United States! This is how clouds move around the world.

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The cumulus clouds can move up to 15 miles per hour, while cirrus clouds can move along at over 100 miles per hour.

Clouds can move at different speeds, typically between  20 and 40 miles per hour (32–64 km), but sometimes as slow as  1 mile per hour  or as fast as  120 miles per hour . Many factors influence how fast clouds move. For instance, fluffy cumulus clouds can go up to 15 miles per hour , while wispy cirrus clouds can move along at over  100 miles per hour .

How Do You Find the Speed of Clouds?

To estimate a cloud’s speed, we need to know its size. You can do this by comparing how wide it looks from the bottom to how high it is. But there’s a trick to it. First, you have to guess how far you can see in the sky. If you’re down on the street, it’s like looking at a half-sphere with a radius of 2 to 3 miles. But if you’re up in a tall building, it’s a bit different.

Once you have an idea of how far you can see, you watch the cloud and time how long it takes to move across a certain part of the sky. This helps you figure out how fast it’s going. It can be tough to judge angles accurately, especially when things are really high or almost right above you. So, for certain clouds that are way up there, like cirrus clouds, you might have to adjust your estimate because they move a longer distance for the same angle change.

Types of Clouds by Their Movement Speed

The average wind direction is where a cloud will move. Knowing the speed of the wind at a certain location and altitude will get you quite close to the cloud’s actual speed. Thus, the height and general shape of each kind of cloud determine its speed. Some types of clouds are listed below based on their speeds:

High-level:

• Cirrus clouds : Clouds that are 100% ice crystals are called cirrus clouds, and they move at rates of up to 100 miles per hour.
• Altostratus clouds : These flat and uniform clouds in the mid-levels suggest a warm front is approaching, culminating in rain or snow. They can move at 50 miles per hour.
• Stratus clouds : They are low-lying clouds that are uniform in appearance and cover the sky entirely. They usually move at 20–30 miles per hour.
• Stratocumulus clouds : They are typically low and have a bumpy appearance, whether they form in patches or as a continuous sheet. These clouds tend to travel at speeds of 20 to 30 miles per hour.

Multi-level:

• Cumulus clouds : Clumpy cumulus clouds develop at any altitude and move at rates of 15 to 20 mph .
• Cumulonimbus clouds : Thunderstorms are sometimes born within these thick, dark clouds. A speed of up to 60 mph has been recorded for these clouds.
• Nimbostratus clouds : Continuous precipitation and speeds of 15 to 20 mph are typical for nimbostratus clouds.

— The reason wind causes clouds to travel more quickly

•  Clouds consist of tiny water particles, like condensed droplets and ice, that remain suspended in the air due to their small size. The wind carries these particles, and their movement is directly related to wind speed.

What Determines How Fast Do Clouds Move?

Usually, clouds travel between 30 and 120 miles per hour (50 and 200 km per hour). However, the speed can change depending on what the clouds are made of and how fast the wind is blowing. For instance, storm clouds can move quickly, while fine, clear-weather clouds tend to move slowly.

• Altitude: At higher altitudes, clouds experience a variety of wind conditions. They move more swiftly at higher elevations because the winds are stronger there.
• Atmospheric Pressure : A change in atmospheric pressure could cause an air current to carry clouds along. Since high temperatures are the cause of low air pressure, winds are stronger in low-pressure areas close to high-pressure areas.
• Earth’s Spinning : Because of the Earth’s spinning, the direction and speed of the wind impact the movement and speed of clouds, even at high altitudes. However, since clouds grow inside the Earth’s atmosphere, the planet’s rotation has no direct effect on their speed.
• Air Currents : When the sun heats up the upper atmosphere, the air goes up, while the colder, heavier air near the planet’s surface comes down. The way the wind flows, like which way it goes and how fast, also affects how fast clouds move.

Since the wind carries clouds, stronger winds result in faster cloud movement.

Why Do Clouds Appear to Move at Different Speeds?

The air in a cloud determines how fast it moves; in jet streams, cloud speeds may exceed 185 miles per hour. The distance between us and the cloud also affects our sense of its speed. This optical illusion might make low cumulus clouds seem to move faster than high cirrus clouds. Clouds are nebulous and hard to gauge in distance, but clouds higher up in the sky tend to move faster than lower ones. Because the wind is usually stronger up there.

Wind, convection, and particle size all influence cloud particle movement. The wind determines their direction, with upper tropospheric clouds often moving faster. Convection and particle size affect the vertical movement of the clouds and their likelihood of speed. Different cloud types are associated with varying particle sizes.

The wind is often strongest in the upper troposphere.

Altitude affects wind speed through the “atmospheric pressure gradient”. As you ascend in the atmosphere, air pressure decreases, creating a pressure gradient that generates wind and makes clouds move faster. Greater pressure differences result in stronger winds as air moves from high-pressure to low-pressure areas.

How Far Do Clouds Travel?

Strong winds may carry clouds across continents, yet weaker winds can keep them in one location. Some types of clouds, when combined with the right conditions and winds, travel hundreds of miles away . Depending on the velocity of the wind, clouds can travel at speeds of 30 mph to 100 mph or even 250 mph!

The speed and direction of the wind can change a cloud’s movement, making it travel varying distances. Additionally, the size of a cloud can affect how far it goes. Smaller clouds tend to move quicker than bigger ones. On an ordinary day, a typical cloud might travel approximately 110 miles (180 km) .

What really matters here is how high the cloud formed. When clouds form 12,000 feet up, they move at 25 miles per hour, but if they form at 5,000 feet, they go a bit slower, at 18 miles per hour.

— But how long do clouds stay in the air?

• Commonly seen fluffy cumulus clouds usually stick around for about 15 minutes to a couple of hours. Stratus clouds, on the other hand, can hang around for days . The distance these clouds travel depends on their type. The amount of moisture in the air also plays a role in how long a cloud lasts. When it’s not very humid, the liquid air molecules disappear quickly, and the cloud doesn’t last as long.

How Does Temperature Affect Cloud Speed?

Clouds’ ability to develop and their chemical make-up are both influenced by the  ambient air temperature . Clouds are made up of many water droplets, ice crystals, or sometimes both. They may float for a long period in the air because of their small size and high air resistance, especially if they stay in rising air currents.

In undisturbed air, a typical small cloud droplet falls at a consistent speed of approximately 0.50 inches per second (equivalent to roughly 1.3 cm). These droplets are so incredibly small that they can remain in liquid form even when the temperature drops as low as -22°F (-30°C). When this occurs, we refer to them as supercooled droplets .

The way air molecules move depends on how hot or cold it is around them, and this, in turn, affects how the wind blows, how strong it is, and where it’s headed. How quickly they move depends on how fast the wind is blowing.

Radiation is primarily responsible for determining the temperature of molecular clouds. How fast these clouds rotate depends on the difference in temperature between their lowest and highest parts. When there’s a big temperature difference, it creates a strong pressure difference, which in turn makes the winds stronger and the clouds move faster.

How Does Humidity Affect the Speed of Clouds?

Clouds can’t form without enough humidity. Water vapor in supersaturated air tries to find cooler places to condense. The first is the gradual growth in size and volume of cloud droplets as water vapor continues to condense into them. If the air is saturated, fog will form near the ground, while clouds will form in the atmosphere.

There is a relationship between cloud speed and cloud humidity. Higher humidity levels can lead to slower cloud movement, as moist air is less dense and offers less resistance to the traveling clouds. Conversely, lower humidity levels tend to result in faster cloud movement, as drier air is denser and can more readily push clouds along.

How Do Clouds Move?

The movement of clouds and their subsequent speed is a result of the air currents in the atmosphere. These elements affect how the clouds move:

Wind:  Wind drives cloud movement across the atmosphere, from ground level to high altitudes, even beyond jumbo jet flight limits. While there may be no wind at ground level, when you gaze higher up, you can still see clouds moving from the wind.

Air currents: Air currents have a significant impact on the movement of clouds. Clouds are formed as air rises and expands, causing it to cool. As their buoyancy rises in comparison to the surrounding air, the cloud can rise even higher. These packets can be seen rising steadily in cumulus clouds.

Weather patterns : Clouds’ directions and speeds vary depending on weather conditions, such as high- or low-pressure systems that direct the wind and the clouds.

Type of cloud : Some clouds, like the cumulus, are stationary and associated with pleasant weather, while others, like the cirrus, are flimsy and may move greater distances.

The Most Common Clouds

• Cirrocumulus
• Cirrostratus
• Cumulonimbus
• Nimbostratus
• Stratocumulus
• Air & Water | Understanding Climate – Ocean Surface Topography from Space (nasa.gov)
• CLOUD DEVELOPMENT (weather.gov)
• Clouds and How They Form | Center for Science Education (ucar.edu)

Clouds and How They Form

As air rises it cools and decreases pressure, spreading out. Clouds form when the air cools below the dewpoint, and the air can not hold as much water vapor.

Clouds are made of water droplets or ice crystals that are so small and light they are able to stay up in the air. But how does the water and ice that makes up clouds get into the sky? And why do different types of clouds form?

Water Vapor Evaporates Into the Air

The water and ice that make up clouds travels into the sky within air as water vapor, the gas form of water. Water vapor gets into air mainly by evaporation – some of the liquid water from the ocean, lakes, and rivers turns into water vapor and travels in the air. When air rises in the atmosphere it gets cooler and is under less pressure. When air cools, some of the water vapor condenses. As air pressure drops, some water vapor condenses too. The vapor becomes small water droplets and a cloud is formed.

Water Vapor Condenses to Form a Cloud

It’s easier for water vapor to condense into water droplets when it has a particle to condense upon. These particles, such as dust and pollen, are called condensation nuclei. Eventually, enough water vapor condenses on pieces of dust, pollen, and other condensation nuclei to form a cloud.

Clouds Form in Different Ways

Some clouds form as air warms up near the Earth's surface and rises . Heated by sunshine, the ground heats the air just above it. That warmed air starts to rise because, when warm, it is lighter and less dense than the air around it. As it rises, its pressure and temperature drop causing water vapor to condense. Eventually, enough moisture will condense out of the air to form a cloud. Several types of clouds form in this way including cumulus, cumulonimbus, mammatus, and stratocumulus clouds.

Some clouds, such as lenticular and stratus clouds, form when wind blows into the side of a mountain range or other terrain and is forced upward, higher in the atmosphere. This process can also happen without a dramatic mountain range, just when air travels over land that slopes upward and is forced to rise. The air cools as it rises, and eventually clouds form. Other types of clouds, such as cumulus clouds, can also form above mountains too as air is warmed at the ground and rises.

Clouds also form when air is forced upward at areas of low pressure . Winds meet at the center of a low-pressure system and have nowhere to go but up. All types of clouds are formed by these processes, especially altocumulus, altostratus, cirrocumulus, stratocumulus, and stratus clouds.

Weather fronts, where two large masses of air collide at the Earth’s surface, also form clouds by causing air to rise.

• At a warm front, where a warm air mass slides over a cold air mass, the warm air is pushed upward forming many different types of clouds, from low stratus clouds to midlevel altocumulus and altostratus clouds, to high cirrus, cirrocumulus and cirrostratus clouds. Clouds that produce rain like nimbostratus and cumulonimbus are also common at warm fronts.
• At a cold front, where heavy a cold air mass pushes a warm air mass upward, cumulous clouds are common. They often grow into cumulonimbus clouds, which produce thunderstorms. Nimbostratus, stratocumulus, and stratus clouds can also form at a cold front.

© 2019 UCAR with portions adapted from Windows to the Universe (© 2009 NESTA)

• Clouds Form Due to Surface Heating
• Clouds Form Due to Mountains
• Clouds Form When Air is Forced to Rise
• Clouds Form Due to Weather Fronts
• Making Clouds (Animated Atmosphere video)

Related Links

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• Clouds, A Teaching Box

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Introduction to Clouds We see clouds almost daily, yet they are complicated and varied. In fact, the simple presence of a cloud tells us little about the weather without learning more details.

• How Clouds Form

Clouds are the visible aggregate of minute particles of water and/or ice that form when water vapor condenses in the atmosphere.

Clouds can grow very tall or appear flat as a pancake. They are typically white in color but can also be different shades of gray or brilliant yellow, orange, or red. They can weigh tens of millions of tons yet float in the atmosphere.

Clouds can be harbingers of good weather or bad. Their absence can be a good thing after a flooding rain or a bad thing during a drought. They provide relief from the heat of direct sunlight but also trap warmth, leading to higher temperatures.

Precipitation from clouds helps crops to grow but can reduce visibility and make travel dangerous.

They come in infinite shapes and sizes yet we often recognize more familiar objects or animals.

Clouds can be carried along by winds of up to 150 mph (240 km/h) or can remain stationary while the wind passes through them.

They can form behind high flying aircraft or can dissipate as a plane flies through them.

They are not confined to Earth but are found on other planets as well.

Learn about clouds and how they form to become "Cloudwise".

How far and how fast do clouds travel?

QUESTION: HOW FAR AND HOW FAST CAN CLOUDS TRAVEL?

WEATHER WISE GUY ANSWER:

The simple answer is, clouds can travel for hundreds of miles in one day, but it just depends on where they formed in the atmosphere.

Low clouds can form as low as 5,000 feet, where other clouds, such as cirrus, form at 30,000+ feet. The altitude makes all the difference.

That's because the wind doesn't blow the same speed at all levels of the atmosphere.

At the surface, where there's friction, winds will be much lighter. Several thousand feet up, stronger winds help guide weather systems and can gust well over 50mph at times.

During active weather patterns, clouds caught in the river of fast-moving air known as the jet stream can move over 100mph.

IN THE CLASSROOM

A satellite image can show you the clouds on the map and you can see just how fast they move. Visit: http://www.noaa.gov/satellites to learn more about satellites and view the latest imagery.

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Clouds Can Weigh Incredible Amounts, So How Do They Stay In The Sky?

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The short answer is you're thinking about clouds all wrong.

James Felton

Senior Staff Writer

James is a published author with four pop-history and science books to his name. He specializes in history, strange science, and anything out of the ordinary.

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How do they stay up there really?

Image credit: Matthew Knott via  Flickr ( CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 )

If you are someone who has a child, plays some other role in a child's life, or are simply near one at a bus stop, at some point you are going to be asked how clouds stay in the sky by a toddler.

Science lessons from your youth fade pretty quickly, we get it. There's also the chance you have been told the incorrect explanation at some point, that clouds float because they are less dense than the air beneath them. 

As air near the Earth's surface heats up it does indeed begin to rise, carrying water vapor with it, being less dense than the surrounding (mostly) nitrogen and oxygen. This is the same principle that lifts hot air balloons off the ground. Think of how a balloon held underwater will rise to the surface, where it stops, as the air within it is roughly as dense as the air around it. Or at least, it is not dense enough to sink in water, and not sparse enough to keep on flying upwards. If you filled it with the less dense helium, it would continue to float upwards.

But air – and the water vapor contained within it – does not forever fly upwards and out of our atmosphere like helium , reaching a height where it is roughly the same density as the air around it. As air cools, water and ice droplets are formed within it in big enough volumes to make the clouds we see, as sunlight reflects off the large numbers of water droplets.

Droplets of water within clouds, though, make up only a tiny proportion of the cloud's volume. A common cumulus cloud, for example, has approximately 0.5 grams (0.018 ounces) of water per cubic meter. This adds up quite quickly given the enormous volume of clouds. A 1-cubic-kilometer (0.24-cubic-mile) cloud would weigh 500,000 kilograms (1.1 million pounds).

So, how does something that heavy stay up there, when throwing a truck out the window of an airplane would result in a truck smashing to the ground and probably a few lawsuits?

Water droplets inside the clouds are not concerned with how heavy the air around them is in total. The numerous droplets within a cloud may make a huge total, but that doesn't matter for the individual droplet. These stay aloft (until they don't) due to their large surface area . 

The upwards force of air resistance (aka buoyant force) on small droplets of water is enough to keep their terminal velocity – where the drag force of the air an object is moving through is equal to the downward force of gravity – low, for small droplets. The result is that the smaller droplets are constantly falling, but easily pushed upwards by the air below them.

This doesn't last forever – just ask anyone who lives in the UK. The droplets within the cloud collide and become larger droplets. As this happens, the weight of the droplets compared to the surface area increases, and the droplets fall , the air resistance no longer enough to slow them.

"A droplet of 10-micron radius falls at a speed of 1 cm/sec [0.02 mph]," Louis J. Battan explains in the book Cloud Physics , "while droplets of 50-micron radius fall at a speed of 26 cm/sec [0.6 mph]."

As soon as the radius of the raindrop goes above 0.1 millimeters, the air resistance of upward-flowing air isn't enough to counter gravity, and it's time to fetch an umbrella .

All “explainer” articles are confirmed by  fact checkers  to be correct at time of publishing. Text, images, and links may be edited, removed, or added to at a later date to keep information current. 

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How Fast Do Clouds Move? [Answered + Interesting Facts]

Have you ever watched the clouds move when you’re going for a long car ride and been fascinated by how they change shape and seem to move with you? If yes, you might have also wondered about how fast the clouds move. 

There are some days when the clouds don’t seem to budge at all in the sky, but there are also days when they seem to move faster than ever! 

In this article, we’re going to take you through an explanation of clouds and their movement, from whether they move at all to how and why they move. We’ll take a look at factors that affect the cloud’s movement, how fast they move, and how far they travel. 

Without further ado, let’s get right to it. 

Do Clouds Really Move?  

Yes, clouds really move. They also travel long distances! Even though it can seem like the clouds are standing still while the earth moves, the clouds are actually moving because they are being carried by a pocket of wind. 

Even though clouds look like fluffy balls of cotton, they are actually made up of drops of water vapor. After condensation takes place in the earth’s atmosphere, the drops of water are collected as one and take on the cloud-like appearance we’re used to seeing from the earth. And when warm air rises and meets cooler temperatures, water vapor condenses into tiny droplets, forming the beautiful clouds we see in the sky.

While many believe that the earth’s rotation affects how the clouds move, it’s important to note that this belief is false. The earth’s rotation does not affect the movement of clouds because clouds are born in the earth’s atmosphere.

Since wind moves at all levels of the atmosphere, it is safe to say that clouds really move no matter how high or low they are in the sky they move in the wind direction. 

Why Do Clouds Move?

The earth’s atmosphere is made up of several gases, clouds, and the sky. When we look up at the sky, we can’t see all of the gases that make up the atmosphere. However, we do know that those gases exist at different temperatures in different areas all over the surface of the earth.

When one part of the sky is too hot, the air shifts to a cooler area, and as a result, wind is formed. The warmer air moves to a different place in the sky to make the area of colder air warmer, and everyone on earth feels the wind. When the wind shifts, the clouds move with it. 

How Do Clouds Move? 

There are times when the wind is in the process of moving from one area of the sky to another that it is extremely strong, and as a result, it takes the clouds with them. If a cloud is very high up in the sky, it moves more quickly because the wind moves faster when it is higher up in the sky. 

In other words, the wind carries a section of cloudy air with it when it moves. 

Things that Affect the Cloud’s Movement

Here is a list of factors that affect a cloud’s movement: 

The direction of the wind

It is crucial to remember that the wind’s direction affects the direction that the clouds move towards. There can be times when the clouds travel in the horizontal direction, while at other times, they move vertically because of the direction that the wind is blowing.

Solar radiation

Through the process of convection, solar radiation also helps the clouds with their movement. The heat from the sun causes air particles to get into warmer air, and as a result, the warm air helps the clouds to get moving.

Orographic lifting

Another factor that causes a cloud to move is orographic lifting. Orographic lifting simply refers to the process of air moving from a lower elevation to one that is much higher. This process is not voluntary but takes place because the air is forced to rise over a raised terrain. For example, if a huge mass of air makes contact with the side of a mountain, it is forced to move upwards. As a result, a cloud is created, and it is forced to move. 

Factories and industrial plants

Factories are another leading cause that contributes to the movement of clouds. Most factories have chimneys that let out large amounts of smoke and other gases. As a result, those gases often merge with the clouds in the sky, and as a result, the clouds travel in the same direction that the smoke billows and with same speed. 

How Fast Do Clouds Move? 

The speed at which a cloud moves depends on a variety of different factors, such as the type of cloud that is moving, the speed of the wind, and the direction that the wind is traveling in. However, the average cloud can move at a speed of anywhere between 30 to 120 miles per hour. 

To fully assess the speed at which a cloud is moving, one must also consider the weather and the type of cloud in the sky. 

How Far Do Clouds Travel?

The answer to this question depends on where in the atmosphere a cloud is located. This is because the wind blows at different speeds at different levels of the atmosphere. The lower the cloud is in the atmosphere, the lighter the wind, and therefore, the slower the cloud travels. On the other hand, the wind gets stronger higher up in the atmosphere, which means that the clouds travel faster. 

However, the average cloud can travel several hundred miles in a day, and it can travel anywhere from 50 to 100 miles every day. 

Conclusion 

In this article, we walked you through a ton of information on what causes a cloud to move, how far they travel, and what factors contribute to cloud movement. When we look up at the sky, we don’t often stop and think about the ways that clouds move or what contributes to their creation! Still, we hope that after reading this article, you will be inspired to go out there and continue to research and learn more about clouds, nature, and everything that it has to offer you.

Leave a Comment

Why Are The Clouds Moving So Fast? Full Information!

Why are the clouds moving so fast? Clouds are an intriguing sky phenomenon. 

They move at their rate. There’s a lot you can learn about the speed and movement of clouds, as well as how they move and what causes them to move in this blog.

The wind’s movement determines the speed of the clouds. As a result, the movement is caused directly by the wind.

Keep reading to learn more!

What Causes The Clouds to Move?

The wind causes the movement of the cloud. Let’s see how this occurs; the gases we observe in the sky are essentially invisible to us.

These gases comprise the atmosphere and may vary in temperature around the globe. 

When the temperature of two sections of the sky differs, air travels from the hotter to the cooler location.

Warm air rushes in to warm up the colder air, which is why we get winds in our weather. The wind might be so powerful that it takes the clouds along. 

How Does the Wind Move the Clouds?

Clouds are composed of water vapor, which may then descend to the earth as rain, hail, or snow. The clouds move quicker the higher you go in the sky.

This is because the wind blows quicker at greater elevations above the surface.

We sometimes have clouds that may travel long distances and traverse oceans. These clouds are pursuing a powerful wind known as the jet stream.

Jet streams carry warm air from warm regions of the earth to cooler sections, raising temperatures.

Because of the direction of the wind, the clouds move horizontally at times and vertically at others.

Why Are the Clouds Moving So Fast?

To determine the speed of the cloud, observe how quickly the wind is moving. 

Because various kinds of clouds originate in different situations, the wind also affects their movement. The direction of the cloud is also affected by the direction of the wind.

The clouds seem to be moving horizontally at times and vertically at others. As a result, every cloud in the sky moves due to a game of wind.

The speed of cloud movement varies with the velocity of the wind and the density of the cloud.

However, the wind is not the sole cause of the cloud’s high-speed movement; other natural objects also contribute to the cloud’s high-speed movement.

They are as follows:

1. The Solar Radiation

Solar radiation is one of the reasons why clouds move so fast. This is through the process of convection.

The warmth from the sun causes the particles in the air to become warmer; consequently, the warmer air assists in the movement of the clouds.

2. The Orographic Lifting

Another factor that causes a cloud to move fast is orographic lifting. Orographic lifting is simply the air movement from a lower to a much higher altitude.

This unintentional action happens when air is urged to climb over elevated terrain.

For example, when a large volume of air collides with the edge of a mountain, it is pushed upward.

As a result, a cloud develops and is pushed to move.

3. The Inversion of the Temperature

Another reason for the cloud’s fast movement is thermal inversion. Thermal inversion may even occur when the weather is good and stable in the winter. 

When this occurs, the colder air mass below is trapped by the rising warmer air mass.

When the dew point is achieved, the two masses are separated by thin clouds and must travel rapidly in opposite directions.

4. Human Activities 

Clouds are a dense mass of small droplets and ice crystals that may be moved by wind, sun, or thermodynamic energy. 

Certain man-made mechanisms might cause the clouds to travel quickly.

For example, industries emitting smoke and gases may combine with clouds and begin moving in the wind direction.

Wind may also affect the shape of the clouds since it travels randomly, changing the formation. Strong winds may split a cloud in half.

With fast motion, it may also vary the density of the cloud. The wind may make a cloud seem thin and wispy.

How Fast Do Clouds Go?

The average speed of the clouds cannot be estimated precisely since several sorts of fluctuations are difficult to determine.

To determine the actual speed of clouds, several parameters must be measured. 

Certain values, however, provide an approximate measurement of the movement, making it simpler to determine the speed.

Clouds often travel at speeds ranging from 30 to 250 miles per hour. 

However, depending on the scenario and wind conditions, it is subject to change. The speed of cloud migration is affected by a variety of variables.

Clouds, for example, travel quicker at higher altitudes than lower ones. During the jet stream, towering cirrus clouds may reach more than 100 mph speeds.

Clouds may travel up to 40 miles per hour during a thunderstorm.

Clouds will fly quicker than normal during the jet stream. The speed is precisely proportional to the wind velocity.

How to Measure the Speed of the Clouds Movement

To determine the speed, you must first figure out the velocity and density, then come up with a formula to determine the speed.

Different clouds move at different rates because of how dense they are. As an example:

In general, the speed of the wind increases with height and is close to the ground.

But this might not always be the case, especially when air pressure is high. 

When this happens, it’s hard to believe that the speed of the wind at 20,000 feet is the same as or significantly slower than the wind speed at 2,000 feet.

When this occurs, we are surrounded by a soothing breeze, but we can barely see the puffs moving in the sky.

Because of differences in density, different kinds of clouds have different speed ranges.

FAQs About Why are the Clouds Moving So Fast

Do you have any questions concerning why do clouds move fast? There are two frequently asked questions about cloud movement.

How Far Can a Cloud Travel?

The answer to this question is determined by the location of a cloud in the atmosphere.

This is because wind speeds differ at different levels of the atmosphere.

The lower the cloud in the atmosphere, the lighter the wind, and the slower the cloud travels.

On the other hand, the wind increases substantially higher up in the sky, forcing the clouds to travel faster.

On the other hand, the average cloud may travel between 50 and 100 miles daily and can move several hundred miles in a day.

Do Clouds Ever Stop Moving?

Clouds are continually moving through the environment. Clouds are an element of an always-moving climate.

The water droplets inside the cloud are constantly moving and changing position, even if the cloud itself is in a fixed position.

Since the earth’s atmosphere is heated at different altitudes, it is also possible that the clouds are constantly shifting positions.

As a result of an energy mismatch in the atmosphere, the cloud is in motion.

As a result, you can never say for sure that clouds are at a set location or won’t move at a certain time of day.

Clouds usually shift even when there is no wind. But the rotation of the Earth also contributes to the mobility of clouds in several ways.

Final Verdict

Why are the clouds moving so fast?

The way the wind blows changes how fast the clouds move. So, the wind is directly responsible for the movement.

If you want to know how fast the cloud is moving, look at how fast the wind is moving.

As different kinds of clouds form in response to other things, the wind also moves them differently.

The direction of the wind also changes the way the cloud moves. Sometimes you can see the clouds moving sideways, sometimes up and down.

Thanks for reading!

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Why clouds form near black holes.

Tricia Talbert

Once you leave the majestic skies of Earth, the word “cloud” no longer means a white fluffy-looking structure that produces rain. Instead, clouds in the greater universe are clumpy areas of greater density than their surroundings.  

Space telescopes have observed these cosmic clouds in the vicinity of supermassive black holes, those mysterious dense objects from which no light can escape, with masses equivalent to more than 100,000 Suns. There is a supermassive black hole in the center of nearly every galaxy, and it is called an “active galactic nucleus” (AGN) if it is gobbling up a lot of gas and dust from its surroundings. The brightest kind of AGN is called a “quasar.” While the black hole itself cannot be seen, its vicinity shines extremely bright as matter gets torn apart close to its event horizon, its point of no return. 

But black holes aren’t truly like vacuum cleaners; they don’t just suck up everything that gets too close. While some material around a black hole will fall directly in, never to be seen again, some of the nearby gas will be flung outward, creating a shell that expands over thousands of years. That’s because the area near the event horizon is extremely energetic; the high-energy radiation from fast-moving particles around the black hole can eject a significant amount of gas into the vastness of space. 

Scientists would expect that this outflow of gas would be smooth. Instead, it is clumpy, extending well beyond 1 parsec (3.3 light-years) from the black hole. Each cloud starts out small, but can expand to be more than 1 parsec wide — and could even cover the distance between Earth and the nearest star beyond the Sun, Proxima Centauri. Astrophysicist Daniel Proga at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, likens these clumps to groups of cars waiting at a highway onramp with stoplights designed to regulate the influx of new traffic. “Every now and then you have a bunch of cars,” he said.

What explains these clumps in deep space? Proga and colleagues have a new computer model that presents a possible solution to this mystery, published in the  Astrophysical Journal Letters , led by doctoral student Randall Dannen. Scientists show that extremely intense heat near the supermassive black hole can allow the gas to flow outward really fast, but in a way that can also lead to clump formation. If the gas accelerates too quickly, it will not cool off enough to form clumps. The computer model takes these factors into account and proposes a mechanism to make the gas travel far, but also clump.

“Near the outer edge of the shell there is a perturbation that makes gas density a little bit lower than it used to be,” Proga said. “That makes this gas heat up very efficiently. The cold gas further out is being lifted out by that.” 

This phenomenon is somewhat like the buoyancy that makes hot air balloons float. The heated air inside the balloon is lighter than the cooler air outside, and this density difference makes the balloon rise.

“This work is important because astronomers have always needed to place clouds at a given location and velocity to fit the observations we see from AGN,” Dannen said. “They were not often concerned with the specifics of how the clouds formed in the first place, and our work offers a potential explanation for the formation of these clouds.”

This model looks only at the shell of gas, not at the disk of material swirling around the black hole that is feeding it. The researchers’ next step is to examine whether the flow of gas originates from the disk itself. They are also interested tackling the mystery of why some clouds move extremely fast, on the order of 20 million miles per hour (10,000 kilometers per second). 

This research, which addresses an important topic in the physics of active galactic nuclei, was supported with a grant from NASA. The co-authors are Dannen, Proga, UNLV postdoctoral scholar Tim Waters, and former UNLV postdoctoral scholar Sergei Dyda (now at the University of Cambridge).

Media Contact Elizabeth Landau NASA Headquarters, Washington, DC

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Do Clouds Move Or Is It The Earth

Table of Contents:

UCSB Science Line – That is a very interesting question. I guess the short answer is: Clouds do move. They do not just appear to move because of the spinning of the earth. However, the direction that clouds and other air masses do move, is definitely affected by the spin of the earth. If you want to learn more about this effect, look up “coriolis effect” on google.com.

Answer 1:That is a very interesting question. I guess the short answer is: Clouds do move. They do not just appear to move because of the spinning of the earth. However, the direction that clouds and other air masses do move, is definitely affected by the spin of the earth. If you want to learn more about this effect, look up “coriolis effect” on google. com.

Video advice: Why Don’t Clouds Fall to Earth due to Gravity?

If you are watching this video, chances are you have seen that big, puffy clouds floating in the sky on a summer day. But have you ever imagine why they stay up in the sky against the law of gravity? Why don’t they fall down? Let’s say clouds float for the same reason that helium balloons float, or maybe they are lighter than air.

Why do the clouds move?

The clouds we see are in the Earth’s atmosphere.

Image credit: Wikipedia CommonsThe atmosphere may be the layer above ground which includes heaven and also the clouds. Heaven we have seen is filled with gases which are mostly invisible to all of us. These gases from the atmosphere, and may have a specific temperature over the planet. When two regions of heaven will vary temperatures, the environment moves in the hotter place to the cooler area. This will cause the wind! The nice and cozy air rushes directly into warm up the cooler air, which is why we obtain winds within our weather. The wind is really so strong it carries the clouds together. Clouds comprise water vapour, which might later fall down as rain, hail or snow. The greater up you decide to go on the horizon, the faster the clouds move. It is because the wind is quicker at greater heights over the surface. We sometimes get clouds that may travel huge distances, and mix the oceans. These clouds are carrying out a particularly strong wind, known as the jet stream. Jet streams travel from warm parts around the globe to cooler parts, bring heated air together that may rise temperatures.

Do clouds or the Earth move? – Clouds move in response to the local winds. Although the air immediately around you may be still, the winds are far stronger thousands of metres higher up. That is why clouds are usually in motion, even on apparently windless days. But part of a cloud’s motion is indeed governed by Earth’s rotation.

Do clouds or the Earth move? Do clouds move or us? Does the earth move? Why do clouds not move? What if Earth stopped spinning? Do clouds ever stop moving? Why do the clouds move in certain directions? How does wind affect the speed of clouds? How are clouds affected by the Coriolis effect? Why does the atmosphere move along with the Earth?

What direction do clouds move? – By convention, the direction of movement of a cloud is the direction from which the cloud moves. For example, if a cloud moves from south-west to north-east, the recorded direction of movement is “south-west”. The speed of a cloud is the speed of its horizontal movement.

Clouds are made of tiny water droplets. It’s so cold high up in the sky that ice crystals start to form inside the clouds. Then the ice crystals move to the top of the cloud and the water droplets stay near the bottom of the cloud. When they move past each other and rub against each other, they make static electricity.

Are the clouds moving or is it the earth? – Clouds (water vapor) are part of the whole always-moving atmosphere of the earth. We just notice the movement of the clouds because we can see them. The rest.

The movement of weather patterns from west to east in the south of Australia is very constant. It relies on the rotation of the earth and the heating of the earth’s surface by the sun. The movement of weather in the north of Australia is the opposite: with tropical weather patterns often moving from east to west!

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Video advice: Why Do Clouds Stay Up?

There’s nothing wrong with having your head in the clouds!

How Fast Do Clouds Move?

Since elementary school, I was always fascinated by the sky and everything else that makes it – the sun, the moon, the stars, and the clouds, which is as far as my limited imagination allowed me to perceive. However, what captivated me the most to date were the clouds. These wonders triggered my creativity and (…) More.

Clouds found close to the Earth’s surface are often thin and lighter because of friction and they are moved very easily through the wind. Still, not every clouds could be moved through the wind. When the clouds are packing plenty of moisture, ice crystals, and water tiny droplets to create giant furry-searching opaque puffs, the clouds’ solidity can endure intense speeds.

The wind causes the clouds to move in the direction it’s moving, most of the time. At other times, we feel the wind blowing in the eastern direction and notice clouds moving in the opposite direction. How is this possible, we wonder? Wind direction and speed varies with altitude. Clouds can travel for hundreds of miles in a day with the same speed as that of wind. For instance, if a cloud is at an altitude of 6,000 Ft., it will be moving at the wind’s speed at 6,000 Ft. (assuming the cloud is thin and light).

do clouds move or is it the earth.

Are you curious? Get answers to your questions online. Share and spread your know-how through the best question and answer English Website. Join the free question-answer site today. Ask thought-provoking questions and get the answers from the experts. Select and choose topics of your choice. Create or join your own community.

How far and how fast do clouds travel?

Clouds can travel for hundreds of miles in one day, but it just depends on where they formed in the atmosphere.

QUESTION: What Lengths And Just How FAST CAN CLOUDS TRAVEL? WEATHER WISE GUY ANSWER:The straightforward response is, clouds can travel for countless miles in a single day, however it just depends upon where they created within the atmosphere. Low clouds can build as little as 5,000 ft, where other clouds, for example cirrus, form at 30,000+ ft. The altitude helps to make the difference. That is because the wind does not blow exactly the same speed whatsoever quantity of a atmosphere. In the surface, where there’s friction, winds is going to be lighter. Several 1000 ft up, more powerful winds help guide to weather systems and may gust more than 50mph at occasions. During active weather patterns, clouds caught within the river of fast-moving air referred to as jet stream can make room 100mph. Within The CLASSROOMA satellite image can display the clouds into the spotlight and you may see precisely how fast they move. Visit: noaa. gov/satellites to understand more about satellites and examine the most recent imagery.

Video advice: Do Clouds move or Earth spin ?

A cloud is made of water drops or ice crystals floating in the sky. There are many kinds of clouds. Clouds are an important part of Earth’s weather.

Do clouds move or is it the earth rotation?

Clouds move in response to the local winds. ... That is why clouds are usually in motion, even on apparently windless days. But part of a cloud's motion is indeed governed by Earth's rotation .

Do clouds actually move?

Clouds move because the wind is carrying the parcel of cloudy air along . ... Sometimes there can be no wind on the ground, but cirrus clouds very high up can be seen moving because of the wind where they are. Some clouds, like the lenticular clouds that form over hills, are stationary even when the wind is strong.

Do clouds ever stay still?

Warm air holds more water than cold air. So in the summer, the air is accumulating moisture. It becomes muggy until it reaches a point where the air is saturated with moisture and begin to form clouds. Those clouds might just stand still .

Do clouds move in the same direction as the earth?

Originally Answered: Do clouds move in the opposite direction of the earth or are clouds completely still and the earth is moving? Neither . Clouds move in whichever direction the wind is blowing at the altitude at which the clouds are formed.

Which way do clouds move?

Clouds move in a vertical and horizontal direction . Generally, clouds move in a horizontal direction. But, you can notice the clouds moving in the vertical direction. Sometimes, you can notice some clouds moving slightly upwards than the other in the sky.

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Amazing Clouds Facts: What Makes Them Move, How Fast and How Far?

Observing from the ground, we can see that clouds move- but do they really move?  If they do, how fast do clouds move ?

Clouds are water vapors suspended in our atmosphere. They contain huge masses of water droplets or ice crystals assembled in significant volumes as they undergo the process of condensation. This makes them visible even thousands of feet below.

Clouds originate when water from the earth evaporates and is transformed into a gas, forming water vapor. As plain water vapor, we cannot see clouds at all. These water vapors in the air increase in volume and density and become saturated until they condense in the atmosphere. 

But how fast do clouds move and what makes them move? These are just some more questions we shall be addressing as we progress in getting to know those wispy or grand cotton ball-like creations we see daily in the sky.

Do Clouds Move Constantly?

Since clouds are made up of water vapor, liquid droplets, and ice crystals, they are usually light and can be easily moved by the wind on every level of the atmosphere. The wind is the primary reason clouds are seen moving, and it determines the speed and direction in which the cloud will advance. 

Another factor that may affect the speed at which cloud moves is the altitude, which is the distance measured from the earth’s ground to a point in the atmosphere. Wind in the higher part of the atmosphere is relatively strong compared to wind found in the lower layers of the atmosphere.  

Weather Affecting Cloud Movements

You may ask how fast do rain clouds move or how fast do storm clouds move ? Generally, clouds are said to move within 30 to 120 miles within an hour. On a typically windy day, clouds can go at a greater speed.

Cirrus clouds usually form at higher layers of the atmosphere. These clouds are light and have less dense vapor formation, allowing strong winds found at higher altitudes to carry it easily. 

In the occurrence of jet streams where a narrow band of solid, strong winds blows in the upper portion of the atmosphere, cirrus clouds can move as fast as 100mph or more. 

During bad weather and storm, cloud movement can be limited. This is due to the greater density and thickness of saturated water vapor. In seasons where nimbus cumulus clouds are prevalent, clouds travel within 30 to 40 mph.

You need to consider the type of cloud and its altitude to know the cloud movement speed. You also need to see the speed of the wind and the density of the cloud to get the actual cloud speed. 

What Forms Clouds? 

Sometimes we may also wonder why there are fewer clouds that show movement across the sky. We must be aware that certain conditions must be met to condense water vapor in the atmosphere and make it visible from the ground. These factors also determine the type of clouds formed within the area.

Cool Air Temperature 

As the water vapor becomes heated, it becomes lighter and starts going up in the air in the form of gas. It travels further away from the ground until it reaches a point in the atmosphere where it is cooler.

When clouds reach cooler regions of the atmosphere, they eventually slow down in movement and catch up with other water vapor collected in the air.

They stay together constantly but in a slower motion until the water vapor becomes thicker, saturated, and dense. The cold air temperature allows water vapors to reach their dew point, where the water vapor starts to liquefy.

Presence of Condensation Nuclei

It is not enough that the temperatures go down for water vapor to condense and form clouds. Clouds are created through the presence of condensation nuclei. These are microscopic particles suspended in the air that have an average size of 0.2 µm.

Water vapors attach themselves to these microscopic particles until they grow in volume and reach saturation condensate or change into liquid from a gas form.

Condensation nuclei may either come from natural or synthetic sources. Organic sources include dust from desert storms, soot from fires, volcanic ash, and plant pollen.

Smoke from factories and the combustion of vehicles also contribute CCNs in the air.  A large number of condensation nuclei is alarming since water vapor will tend to stay longer in the air in the form of smog and haze rather than precipitate to earth as rain and ice. 

How fast was the fastest cloud?

The fastest cloud in the sky moves at an average speed of between 30 and 250 mph. Generally, the higher the wind speed, the higher the speed of high-level clouds like cirrus and cirrostratus. These clouds can move at a speed of 100mph during jet stream.

Do clouds move, or do we move?

We can see clouds constantly moving while other times it seems still. Earth’s rotation affects how we see cloud’s movement, but the wind is primarily responsible for inducing movement. Sometimes, we do not feel any wind at ground level, but the clouds in the sky move fast. This occurrence is due to varying wind speeds at different layers of the atmosphere at a specific moment. 

How far do clouds travel in a day?

Clouds can travel as far as hundred miles per day, and the significant element here is the altitude where they are formed. Low-lying clouds can form at the height of 5000 ft with a wind speed of eighteen miles per hour and are traveling a little slower than clouds lying within 12,000 feet, which are estimated to travel at 25mph. 

Wind speed is the main force that drives clouds into motion. The other factor is the altitude where the cloud is formed. At a higher layer of the atmosphere, winds are far stronger and move faster. Ultimately, cloud density and weather conditions are significant elements when observing cloud motion.

We hope this article has inspired you to go out and observe the clouds as they constantly paint our sky in changing patterns?

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Which type of clouds make it harder to see the April 8 solar eclipse? Here’s what to know

The national weather service has said some high clouds are almost certain april 8. here’s how different clouds can impact plans to see the event..

By Zaeem Shaikh

6:30 AM on Apr 3, 2024 CDT

Editor’s note: This story is part of The Dallas Morning News’ coverage of the 2024 total solar eclipse . For more, visit dallasnews.com/eclipse .

With less than a week away from the solar eclipse , weather forecasters are keeping an eye on the cloud cover, which can make or break a person’s chance to see the event.

Different types of clouds have different effects on a person’s viewing experience. When the moon completely covers the sun April 8, it will be the first total eclipse in North Texas since 1878 .

Generally, clouds are divided based by their height: low-level, mid-level and high-level.

From snow to 100-degree heat, we've got you covered.

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What are stratus clouds?

The type of clouds does depend on the system, which is the movement of warm and cold air. But in the springtime, there’s a good chance the Dallas-Fort Worth area gets many stratus clouds, said Monique Sellers, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Fort Worth. They are low-level cloud layers that sometimes appear as ragged sheets, per the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration .

Related: The total solar eclipse is fast upon us. Here’s your Eclipse Day survival guide

Multiple layers of clouds are possible in the area, she said, but most times, lower cloud decks are observed locally. In North Texas, Sellers said, the altitude of the layers don’t vary as much: lower clouds can vary anywhere from 1,500 feet to 6,000 feet in the air, mid-level clouds are anywhere between 6,500 to 23,000 feet up and high-level clouds are anything above that.

At each cloud level, the biggest thing that varies, Sellers says, is the water droplet size.

“As you get higher up, you’re actually dealing with ice and not necessarily dealing with liquid water,” Sellers said. “So, you get the ice filaments, they’re actually thinner which is why the high clouds can appear almost like transparent… Whereas if you’re lower, your droplet size is a little bit bigger.”

Because of the larger water droplets at lower levels, she said it can actually obscure one’s ability to view things in the sky. Stratus clouds at the lowest layer are very difficult to see through because they appear as big sheets in the sky, making them one of the worst to appear the day of the eclipse.

What are cumulus clouds?

The weather service has said on social media that it’s possible if stratus clouds form, they can break up into cumulus clouds in the afternoon, which may allow for some viewability. NASA has listed online it expects totality to begin about 1:40 p.m. in Dallas and last about four minutes.

Related: What to know about the total solar eclipse in Dallas on April 8

Sellers said cumulus clouds can be puffier and they’ll appear as individual cells. In that instance, the hope is as the temperature rises during the day the cloud decks can break up, she said.

“It looks like the clouds are almost like melting away,” she said. “They’re starting to basically circulate themselves apart.”

Lower clouds, such as stratus clouds, are usually the ones that obscure everything in the sky, she said. It’s still possible to have a thicker medium or high cloud deck, but often she said high clouds in Dallas-Fort Worth are pretty thin and some sunshine filters through them.

What are cirrus clouds?

Cirrus clouds are composed of ice crystals and appear as patches or narrow bands, according to the NOAA.

The forecast for April 8 is not yet finalized. Sellers said the event falls between two storm systems and “the timing of how that works out is really going to dictate what we see on eclipse day or not.”

Related: Dallas officials urge residents to finalize their April 8 total solar eclipse plans early

The weather service forecasts a chance for a system that will move through late Saturday and Sunday — and that could generate not only clouds but some rain.

“We might squeak out on Monday where there’s kind of a front that goes through our area and dries some of the layers out a little bit,” Sellers said. “We might still have some high clouds over the area and maybe even some middle clouds, but it may push the low clouds closer to the coast.

“And if it does that, we can still see the eclipse through the high clouds.”

Still, the forecast has been changing, she said, and plenty of things can change as it gets closer to Monday.

“We’re just trying to squeeze in the eclipse real quick,” Sellers said.

According to Sellers, if there’s any cloud cover on the celestial event, the best casewould be some high cirrus clouds.

Zaeem Shaikh , Staff, Reporter . Zaeem Shaikh is a reporter covering breaking news for The Dallas Morning News. He grew up in Fresno, California, and graduated from Fresno State University in 2022. Before joining The News, he has reported for The Sacramento Bee, CalMatters and the Oregonian.

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What’s the Cloud Forecast for Eclipse Day? See if the Weather Is on Your Side.

By Josh Katz ,  K.K. Rebecca Lai and William B. Davis

April 8 will be your last opportunity to see a total solar eclipse in the contiguous United States or Canada until 2044. Mexico will have to wait longer. But if clouds fill the sky, your shot at seeing the spectacle could be lost.

If you have an eclipse viewing destination in mind, enter it in the box below to see the latest cloud cover forecast. We expect the forecast to become more accurate closer to the day of the eclipse, and The Times will update this map as fresh forecasts become available.

See how much of the sky could be cloudy during the eclipse

Source: National Blend of Models

Note: Forecast for 2 p.m. Eastern on April 8, 2024 and is as of 5 p.m. Eastern on April 3.

The above map shows predictions of cloud cover — which refers to the amount of the sky covered by clouds.

So far, forecast models show a high probability of clouds’ obscuring the view of the eclipse in parts of Texas and Ohio. Surprisingly, some parts of Upsate New York, Vermont, Maine and Quebec have a better outlook than some points to the south and west.

What does cloud cover look like?

Less than 10% cloud cover

Source: GLOBE Observer App

But you may not want to bank on these models this far out.

“There are still a lot of uncertainties when you are 10 days away from the eclipse,” said Jay Anderson, a Canadian meteorologist. He advises eclipse viewers not to form an opinion until one or two days before the event.

As April 8 gets closer, forecasters will look to see if the same area shows clouds each time new data becomes available. Consistency in the results gives them more confidence in a forecast.

Mr. Anderson runs a website, Eclipsophile , that provides detailed analysis of weather conditions to aid eclipse chasers.

He has been able to see eclipses with forecasts of 50 to 60 percent cloud cover. But around 90 percent, which means it’s almost completely overcast, you would have to be really lucky to see the moon obscure the sun.

On a typical eclipse day, Mr. Anderson says, he would check satellite pictures or simply look up at the sky for sunny patches.

For some eclipses, you need a bit of luck no matter the forecast. In 2009, Mr. Anderson directed a tour group in China to travel about 125 miles outside Shanghai to avoid bad weather. It was pouring when they reached their destination. But as the period of totality approached, the rain suddenly stopped and the clouds parted. They were able to see the total eclipse for almost five minutes.

“Sometimes the weather gods are smiling at you,” Mr. Anderson said.

Jay Anderson at his first total solar eclipse, in 1979, outside Winnipeg, Canada. He has traveled to see every total solar eclipse since then.

Photo from Jay Anderson

Over the years, he has worked with tour companies to guide eclipse viewers to the best locations. He likens eclipse viewing to storm chasing. On his trips, he has told cruise captains to turn their boats around and bus drivers to search for hours to find a break in the clouds.

The unlucky ones who find themselves under an overcast sky during the eclipse will still notice a sudden plunge into darkness as the moon passes in front of the sun, Mr. Anderson says. But they won’t be able to see all the details of the eclipse — the shadow bands, the diamond ring, the sun’s corona.

“It’s muted compared to being in the sunlight itself,” he said.

Even if you travel in pursuit of good weather, try to stay within the path of totality to experience the full effect of the sun’s being completely obscured by the moon — clouds or no clouds.

Historical Data

Before reliable cloud forecasts were available, The Times analyzed historical cloud cover derived from satellite measurements.

Historical cloudiness along the center of the eclipse’s path

Source: NASA Aqua/MODIS

Note: Places are plotted according to their longitude, even if they do not lie on the centerline of the path of totality.

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Our Coverage of the Total Solar Eclipse

Hearing the Eclipse:  A device called LightSound is being distributed to help the blind and visually impaired experience what they can’t see .

Maine Brac es Itself :  Businesses and planning committees are eager for visitors, but some in remote Aroostook County are not sure how they feel  about lying smack in the path of totality.

A Dark Day for Buffalo:  When the sky above Buffalo briefly goes dark  on the afternoon of April 8, the city will transcend its dreary place in the public consciousness — measured as it so often is by snowstorms — if only for about three minutes. The city can’t wait.

Under the Moon’s Shadow:  The late Jay Pasachoff, who spent a lifetime chasing eclipses , inspired generations of students to become astronomers by dragging them to the ends of the Earth for a few precarious moments of ecstasy.

A Rare Return:  It is rare for a total solar eclipse to hit the same place twice — once every 366 years on average. People in certain areas will encounter April 8’s eclipse  about seven years after they were near the middle of the path of the “Great American Eclipse.”

A Small City’s Big Plans:  Let the big cities have their eclipse mega-events. In Plattsburgh, N.Y., success looks different  for everyone stopping to look up.

 No Power Outages:  When the sky darkens during the eclipse, electricity production in some parts of the country will drop so sharply that it could theoretically leave tens of millions of homes in the dark. In practice, hardly anyone will notice  a sudden loss of energy.

Best places to see the April 8 solar eclipse in the totality path

A merica is gearing up for the April 8 total solar eclipse , and in less than a week many will be scrambling to find the best location to watch within the path of totality. Meteorologists are closely monitoring the latest models, and while it won't be until a few days prior to the event that the national forecast will be fully cooked, historical data suggests those hoping to view the corona and see a fully darkened midday sky may find themselves dodging clouds due to April weather patterns.

The last time a total solar eclipse traversed an elongated path across the continental U.S. — on Aug. 21, 2017 — Americans could be caught gazing at the midday dark from Oregon all the way to South Carolina. Most spots along the path of totality enjoyed reasonably clear, summer skies.

Those living or visiting along the path of totality next week may not end up so fortunate, as historical weather maps show the odds of experiencing a cloud-free sky at this time of year are somewhat less than ideal. In fact, finding a totally clear view at any given time is closer to the exception than the rule.

"According to NASA, at any given time, 70% of the earth is covered in clouds," said Mike Augustyniak , CBS Minnesota director of meteorology.

Not only is North America in the middle of the volatility of changing seasons during this year's solar event, but meteorologists note that we're also currently in an El Niño pattern, albeit one that's proven quieter than usual.

"An El Niño pattern tends to increase the chances of cloudy, rainy weather in those areas. Interestingly, though, that is not how this winter and spring have played out," said Augustyniak. "Since the start of 2024, Texas Hill Country and western Texas areas have been markedly drier than average; if that trend holds for the next few weeks, that would be good news for eclipse watchers."

The path of totality is only about 150 miles wide, and in America stretches roughly 2,500 miles from the Texas border to the last few towns in northeastern Maine. That leaves only so many places where you can seek the full show, though the path's width will be significantly wider than it was in 2017, according to NASA , as the moon will to be closer to Earth on this pass than it was then.

So will April showers bring spectator flowers? Here's a breakdown of which places along the path of totality are most likely to give eclipse chasers the best odds.

Viewing the eclipse in Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas

Augustyniak said at this transitional time of year, the further south you can go, the more likely you are to experience clear skies during eclipse totality.

"Of the areas where the total eclipse will be visible on April 8, that includes the Hill Country of Texas, and the Mexican states of Coahuila and Durango," Augustyniak said.

Of course, the further south you get, the more you increase your chances of running into not only clouds, but rain.

"Spring is our storm season of course," said Jeff Ray , chief meteorologist for CBS Texas.

Ray said that you can almost bet on needing to do a little bit of reverse storm-chasing — in other words, doing some last-minute navigation to dart away from the oncoming clouds, rather than toward them — on or around the eclipse in Texas, Arkansas and Oklahoma.

"There will be storms around the day of April 8. I say that because we rarely get through a week in spring without a couple of rounds coming through the area during this time of the year. Will they arrive a day before and be gone? Not start up until later that day? Maybe two days later? We are looking at our long-range model the GFS for the date and it looks like storms on the eighth," Ray said, with a caveat. "Long-range models are notoriously inaccurate for a specific day. But there is a good chance the storms the model sees will materialize, give or take a 36-hour period."

Ray said that Texas sees, on average, a sunny or mostly sunny April day only about 28% of the time. Conversely, the region gets April days with mostly cloudy or fully overcast conditions about 36% of the time.

"High clouds can arrive several days before the storm system, they are overhead in April around 22% of the time. A sky with some kind of cloud cover is likely," said Ray. "A typical April day would have near overcast skies in the morning, then the heating of the day makes for more sunshine. So an afternoon even has better odds of a good view of the eclipse."

The eclipse will reach totality in Texas from about 1:30 p.m. CT near Elm Creek until wrapping up near the Oklahoma border a few minutes before 2 p.m. Some of the most populous areas along the path of totality will be during this leg, from San Antonio and Austin to Dallas-Fort Worth.

One final factor to consider if you're heading to the area — tornadoes. Ray said that the National Weather Office in Fort Worth has tallied all the confirmed tornadoes since 1880, and in April and May, north Texas has seen more than 1,100 twisters, compared with the nearly 900 seen in all other months.

"So more tornadoes in the 61-day window than all of the other days of the year combined," Ray said, "but the tornado count varies greatly from year to year."

Ultimately, Ray said that April is traditionally the third-stormiest month of the year in Texas.

"In short, April is not the best, nor the worst, time of the year to hope for clear or mostly clear skies. The best would be July or August. The worst would be January or February," he said. "We get a decent idea of the expected weather about seven days out. Four days out we get more comfortable talking about the timing of a rain or storm event. But it's the weather, we are trying to throw a lasso around chaos. It is not rare we forecasters look like fools."

Viewing the eclipse in Missouri, southern Illinois and Indiana

While many are likely to head as far south as possible, some of the biggest cities in the Midwest are likely to fuel day-of migration to spots in Missouri and Illinois, many of them likely seeing a total eclipse for the second time in a decade. A small zone centered around Carbondale, Illinois, was along the path of totality in 2017, and will be once again this month.

While those in the St. Louis area seeking areas to watch in southeastern Missouri will find historical odds for cloud-free viewing roughly comparable to Arkansas, and those in the Chicago metro area should find their best bet is to head toward the southern part of Illinois.

"If you're unable to travel (to Texas or Arkansas), then Southern Illinois and Indiana present your best opportunity for a clearer sky, supported by the 43-year average and, of course, weather permitting," said Albert Ramon , chief meteorologist for CBS Chicago.

There will likely be some who decide that 90% or 95% totality is enough for them. But Ramon warns that those in the Chicago metro area could be at a higher risk to find their view obscured by clouds.

"Based on a comprehensive 43-year average , April 8 typically brings cloud cover chances ranging from 60 to 80% across Chicago and its surrounding suburbs, with similar patterns observed in Indianapolis, where cloud cover hovers between 60 to 70%," Ramon said.

Viewing the eclipse near the Great Lakes and Pennsylvania

Ramon said another factor that could make viewing along the path of totality something of a challenge in the Midwest is the lingering influence of an El Niño weather pattern.

"Its presence elevates the chances of clouds across the Midwest and Great Lakes regions," Ramon said. "This year may even be a bit more cloudier than the normal."

The Great Lakes portion of totality's path includes large sections of Ohio, including Cleveland, along with the area of Ontario south of Toronto, Niagara Falls, and Erie, Pennsylvania. CBS Pittsburgh meteorologist Ray Petelin said many of these areas are subject to the wildcard that is the Great Lakes.

"They are known for lake-effect snow, but it is the lake-effect clouds that could hide the eclipse. Erie, which is in the path of totality, averages only six clear days during the month of April. Pittsburgh, which has the potential to see around 97% of totality, only averages four clear days in April," Petelin said.

Petelin says that a southerly breeze and warmer-than-average temperatures would go a long way toward helping the Great Lakes region out on April 8. 

"While the historical data suggests the chances for a clear day are low, this winter and early spring have been exceptionally bright and warmer than usual. Let's keep our fingers crossed that we can get that perfect weather for when it matters most," Petelin said.

As it stands, the areas near the shores of the Great Lakes historically show a higher probability for clearer skies than areas inland.

Viewing the eclipse in New England

The eclipse will wrap up its march across the U.S. when the path of totality cuts across state lines from New York to Vermont just before 3:30 p.m. ET. By this point in the event, the duration of totality along the central line will have already fallen off from its peak — about 4 minutes, 30 seconds near Nazas, Mexico — to just over 3 minutes, 30 seconds, according to NASA.

"The southern edge of the totality line passes right through the towns of Middlebury, Northfield and Barre. You will need to get just north of these areas. Some suggested 'larger' towns include Montpelier, St. Johnsbury, Newport and Burlington," said Terry Eliasen , executive weather producer for CBS Boston.

In New Hampshire, the southern edge of totality will pass just north of the White Mountains. And in Maine, you'll need to get north of major cities like Portland, Augusta and Bangor. Eliasen said the entirety of Baxter State Park will be in the totality path, including Mount Katahdin.

The bad news: Eliasen said that those in the New England area face possibly the stiffest odds in the country for catching clear skies next Monday, based on historical patterns. The data says you're more likely to be negatively impacted by clouds pretty much anywhere in these three states than not.

"Frankly, northern New England is probably the worst place (historically speaking) in the path of totality as far as cloud cover goes," said Eliasen. "Of course, we could get lucky."

No luck? There's always the 2045 total solar eclipse

As a last-ditch hope for those who opt to stay put no matter where they're located, there's one last meteorological ace-in-the-hole that could offer reprieve, one fueled by the astronomical event itself.

"It's worth noting that, as totality approaches and sunlight is reduced, temperatures are likely to fall noticeably. Cooler temperatures can stabilize the atmosphere – like when the sun sets after a hot summer day – leading to a decrease in cloud cover," said Augustyniak. "Still, your best plan is to find an area that has no clouds to begin with."

And if the clouds end up sullying the view for some this month, another chance comes around in August 2045 , when a line of totality will stretch from northern California all the way to Miami Beach. Which, of course, will fall during the height of hurricane season.

Total solar eclipse April 8, 2024 facts: Path, time and the best places to view

In the U.S., 31 million people already live inside the path of totality.

Scroll down to see the list of U.S. cities where the April 8 total solar eclipse will be visible, the duration of the eclipse in those locations and what time totality will begin, according to GreatAmericanEclipse.com .

"Eclipse Across America," will air live Monday, April 8, beginning at 2 p.m. ET on ABC, ABC News Live, National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Disney+ and Hulu as well as network social media platforms.

On April 8, 2024, a historic total solar eclipse will cast a shadow over parts of the United States, prompting a mass travel event to the path of totality -- from Texas to Maine and several states and cities in between.

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth and, for a short time, completely blocks the face of the sun, according to NASA .

The track of the moon's shadow across Earth's surface is called the path of totality, and to witness the April 8 total solar eclipse, viewers must be within the 115-mile-wide path. To discover when to see the solar eclipse in totality or the partial eclipse in locations across the U.S. outside of the path, check out NASA's Eclipse Explorer tool .

Eclipse travel

In the U.S., 31 million people already live inside the path of totality, bringing the celestial phenomenon to their doorsteps, Michael Zeiler, expert solar eclipse cartographer at GreatAmericanEclipse.com told ABC News.

MORE: Eclipse glasses: What to know to keep your eyes safe

But for individuals outside of the path, investing time and money are needed to experience the event in totality.

Eclipse chasers, or umbraphiles, are individuals who will do almost anything, and travel almost anywhere, to see totality, according to the American Astronomical Society .

"There's a very active community of solar eclipse chasers and we will go to any reasonable lengths to see solar eclipses anywhere in the world," Zeiler said. "All of us are united in pursuing the unimaginable beauty of a total solar eclipse."

MORE: The surprising reason why a Texas county issued a disaster declaration ahead of April total solar eclipse

Bringing together both eclipse experts and novice sky watchers, the total solar eclipse on April 8 is projected to be the U.S.'s largest mass travel event in 2024, according to Zeiler, who likened it to "50 simultaneous Super Bowls across the nation."

"When you look at the number of people expected to come to the path of totality for the solar eclipse, we estimate those numbers are roughly the equivalent of 50 simultaneous Super Bowls across the nation, from Texas to Maine," he said.

Eclipse map, path of totality

In the U.S., the path of totality begins in Texas and will travel through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan will also experience the total solar eclipse, according to NASA.

Best times, places to view eclipse

Below is a list of some American cities where the April 8 total solar eclipse will be most visible -- pending weather forecasts -- the duration of the eclipse in those locations and what time totality will begin, according to GreatAmericanEclipse.com.

• Eagle Pass, Texas, 1:27 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 23 seconds
• Uvalde, Texas, 1:29 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 16 seconds
• Kerrville, Texas, 1:32 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 23 seconds
• Austin, Texas, 1:36 p.m. CDT: 1 minute, 53 seconds
• Killeen, Texas, 1:36 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 17 seconds
• Fort Worth, Texas, 1:40 p.m. CDT: 2 minutes, 34 seconds
• Dallas, Texas, 1:40 p.m. CDT: 3 minutes, 47 seconds
• Little Rock, Arkansas, 1:51 p.m. CDT: 2 minutes, 33 seconds
• Jonesboro, Arkansas, 1:55 p.m. CDT: 2 minutes, 24 seconds
• Poplar Bluff, Arkansas, 1:56 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 8 seconds
• Cape Girardeau, Missouri, 1:58 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 6 seconds
• Carbondale, Illinois, 1:59 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 8 seconds
• Mount Vernon, Illinois, 2:00 p.m. CDT: 3 minutes, 40 seconds
• Evansville, Indiana, 2:02 p.m. CDT: 3 minutes, 2 seconds
• Terre Haute, Indiana, 3:04 p.m. EDT: 2 minutes, 57 seconds
• Indianapolis, Indiana, 3:06 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 46 seconds
• Dayton, Ohio, 3:09 p.m. EDT: 2 minutes, 46 seconds
• Wapakoneta, Ohio, 3:09 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 55 seconds
• Toledo, Ohio, 3:12 p.m. EDT: 1 minute, 54 seconds
• Cleveland, Ohio, 3:13 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 50 seconds

Pennsylvania

• Erie, Pennsylvania, 3:16 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 43 seconds
• Buffalo, New York, 3:18 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 45 seconds
• Rochester, New York, 3:20 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 40 seconds
• Syracuse, New York, 3:23 p.m. EDT: 1 minute, 26 seconds
• Burlington, Vermont, 3:26 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 14 seconds
• Island Falls, Maine, 3:31 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 20 seconds
• Presque Island, Maine, 3:32 p.m. EDT: 2 minutes, 47 seconds

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The 2024 solar eclipse is next week! Here's everything you need to know.

The april 8, 2024 total solar eclipse will cross the united states, with millions of americans witnessing the spectacle. here's info on the eclipse's time, path, how to find glasses and more..

We are exactly one week from the April 8, 2024 solar eclipse that'll cross a wide swath of the United States, with an expected 34 million Americans witnessing the celestial show.

The 2024 solar eclipse will last longer than the one viewed  by more than 20 million people in August 2017 , and according to NASA won’t happen again  for another 20 years . Fifteen total solar eclipses have been recorded in the U.S. in the last 150 years, with the next one expected in August 2044 .

Even if you're not in the path of totality, like most of Michigan, you can still watch the spectacle. You will need special eclipse glasses to be able to take in the experience so you don't risk eye damage . Thankfully, there is still time to get your hands on a pair — or create your own eclipse viewer at home .

Here's everything to know about the April 8, 2024 solar eclipse.

What is a solar eclipse?

Solar eclipses occur when the moon passes directly between the sun and Earth’s orbits , creating an eclipse of Earth’s view of the sun. The term "eclipse" traces its roots to the Latin  “eclipsis,” drawn from the Greek  “ekleipsis.”

The  path of totality  is the predicted path of the eclipse; in this case, from Mexico, through the U.S. across Texas and North America to the coast of Newfoundland, Canada. States  in the path of totality  for the 2024 solar eclipse include Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.

What is the 2024 solar eclipse path?

Use the map below to see NASA's prediction of the April 8 solar eclipse's path of totality. Keep in mind that this is a prediction, and predictions can vary, but they may only affect you if you're on the very edge of the path .

More: What is the meaning of the word 'eclipse'? Here is its origin ahead of April 8 event

When is the solar eclipse 2024? When does the solar eclipse start near me?

The 2024 solar eclipse is Monday, April 8, 2024. Its path of totality will cross the United States from approximately 2:27 p.m. to 3:35 p.m. Eastern time. That's when, if you're in the path, the sky will darken for several minutes and the air will get colder.

Use the ZIP code locator below to find out when the eclipse begins and ends in your area — and what it will look like. (Can't see it? Hit refresh.)

What time is the solar eclipse in Michigan?

Only one small sliver of Michigan is in the 2024 eclipse's path of totality, in southeastern Monroe County. That includes Luna Pier, which sits along Lake Erie, just north of Toledo. Its residents are getting excited , albeit a little concerned about potential traffic snarls.

Most of the rest of Michigan will see somewhere between 90-99% coverage of the sun , though it won't be visible to the naked eye; you'll need special glasses or a viewer (more on that later).

When is the solar eclipse in Detroit?

In Detroit, where there will be 99.4% coverage of the sun, the 2024 solar eclipse will begin at 1:58 p.m. and reach maximum totality, or coverage, around 3:14 p.m. It will conclude with a final partial eclipse at 4:27 p.m.

What is the April 8, 2024 weather forecast in Michigan?

Clear skies will be essential to viewing the eclipse, especially since most of Michigan doesn't fall in the path of totality.

As of Wednesday, the latest weather forecast for southeast Michigan shows potential cloud cover .  AccuWeather  predicts a high of 63 degrees in Detroit on April 8, with "variable cloudiness" and a chance of a shower in the morning.  Weather.com  also predicts potentially cloudy skies and a high of 59 degrees.

If these predictions hold up, that would give eclipse viewers in southeast Michigan  a chance to see the eclipse at least somewhere within the 2.5-hour window, as long as the clouds break at any point. (But remember, it's Michigan; the weather forecast changes fast. Stay tuned to Freep.com for the latest.)

How to find 2024 solar eclipse glasses

First of all, make sure the eclipse glasses you're searching for are safe. According to  NASA's eclipse safety website , the agency does not recommend specific eyewear for eclipse viewing but  does  recommend glasses that come with an IOS compliance label, or standard, of 12312-2, on the packaging. The eyewear may also be labeled IOS 12312-2:2015. According to NASA, torn, scratched, or otherwise damaged eyewear should be discarded.

While local hardware and big box retailers may have eclipse eyewear on their shelves, buyer beware, especially if they claim to be endorsed by NASA. NASA does not make specific recommendations.

Here's where to find eclipse glasses :

• The American Astronomical Society  has a list of approved solar-eclipse glasses suppliers  here .  You'll be able to find eclipse glasses on  Amazon  in bulk; just ensure they are approved before you buy them. Here are more ideas on where to find free eclipse glasses .
• Warby Parker , the eyewear company,  is giving away eclipse eyewear at its stores beginning Monday , but does not have details about the availability of the free glasses at its locations. According to its website, the chain has six stores in Michigan: Grand Rapids, Novi, Troy, Ann Arbor, Detroit, and Birmingham.
• Check your local library: You also may be able to find free eclipse glasses at your local public library in Michigan, along with special programs. Check your library nearest you for details.
• Check these retailers: The American Astronomical Society says some locations of these retailers may sell eclipse glasses: Walmart, Lowe's, Menards, Kroger, Meijer and Staples.

Here's more information on how to safely view the eclipse . Also try the the American Astronomical Society's website  or to  NASA .

More: Michigan Science Center offers eclipse glasses for $2, plans viewing event at Ford House

Watch for eclipse glasses scams!

Please don't forget the scams. Consumers should exercise caution when buying eclipse-related experiences or goods, according to Melanie Duquesnel, president and CEO of BBB Serving Eastern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.

So far, she said, the Michigan BBB has not received eclipse-related complaints or scam reports. Even so, you want to take extra care to avoid fake products, like counterfeit eclipse glasses, and rip-offs, like too good to be true deals for  special tickets  or deals on hotel rooms. Here's finance columnist Susan Tompor with more tips on avoiding eclipse glasses and hotel scams.

How to make your own eclipse viewer

Want to watch the eclipse without glasses? You don't necessarily need special glasses or filters, but it takes a little creativity and a handful to household supplies to make your own pinhole box or pinhole projector, also known as a pinhole camera.

Here's what to know, including step-by-step instructions , about building your own eclipse viewer.

Will the eclipse affect my pets? Will it affect other animals?

There are four things likely to happen to animal behavior during the April 8, 2024 eclipse, according to Erica Cartmill, professor of anthropology, animal behavior and cognitive science at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana:

• Animals won't do anything unusual.
• Animals will do evening behaviors. For example, if a dog is used to a bedtime treat, he may go to the kitchen to wait for it.
• Animals will display signs of increased anxiety such as scratching, yawning, circling and pacing or if they are animals that typically flock together, they will start grouping.
• Animals display unexpected behavior.

Here's more on what to know from reporter Jamie LaReau .

When is the next solar eclipse after 2024?

Not for another 20 years. According to NASA, after the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, the next total solar eclipse that can be seen from the contiguous U.S. will be on Aug. 23, 2044 . Here's how we're able to predict eclipses so far ahead of time.

It'll be much longer before another solar eclipse's path of totality crosses Michigan. The next solar eclipse to cross the state will be Sept. 14, 2099, when  the path of totality crosses the southwest Lower Peninsula .

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