Clouds part 3 (From Worcester News)

Clouds part 3

11:33am Wednesday 23rd September 2009 in News By Paul Damari

Some names of clouds refer only to cumuliform clouds.

If the top of a cumulonimbus is anvil shaped the top is incus, if it is hairy or streaky it is capillatus and the dark, threatening, arch shaped base of cumulonimbus is arcus. Occasionally there may be lumps of cloud attached to the base or anvil, looking like the udders of a cow. These are called mamma. Calvus means bald and describes a cloud that has no cauliflower like lumps on the top.

Castellanus describes a cloud that is heaped up into what looks like the turrets of a castle. When a cumulus is growing it may look as though the top is swirling and turbulent, this is called congestus. If the cumulus is small, not growing, rather flat, it is called humilis. When a cumulus is growing and expanding, it may well develop a flat top, like a cap. This is called pileus, the cloud that links together the tops of cumulus cloud is called velum.

Fractus looks like fragments torn from other clouds.

Next Week: Clouds Part 4

Glossary:

Katabatic: Flowing down a slope, normally refers to wind.

Weather for Coming Week Monday 21st September-Friday 25th September

High pressure to the south, deep low pressure to the north-west bringing another set fair week. A weak warm front Monday may give more cloud, a weakening cold front on Tuesday brings cloud for a time and the odd light shower in parts, otherwise the remainder of the week dry with sunshine and varied skies.

Winds often light from the west/south-west. Some mist and fog early each morning-tide.

Maximum temperature 18-20c 64-68f.

Minimum temperature 8-13c 46-55f.

Last Week's Observations (Monday-Sunday)

Highest day temperature..........21.2c on Saturday 19th September

Lowest night temperature..........9.2c on Thursday 17th September

Wettest day.............................No rainfall logged