Clouds of the Day - Sunday, May 31, 2020

Clouds of the Day shows how the sky changes from day to day. The color of the sky can change as much as the cloud types. Yesterday the clear sky was a deep blue color. The air was clear and fresh. Today it has a milky color due to high thin cloudiness. Cirrostratus are high clouds found above 18,000 feet. While most cirrostratus is clearly visible today there is cirrostratus that is very thin. Be sure to look closely when you are viewing clouds. Very thin high clouds are difficult to see and often the color of the sky may hint at their presence. A milky white tone may indicate very thin cirrostratus. It may also suggest particulate matter in the air scattering sunlight or even smoke from a forest fire many hundreds of miles away. In the photos below the milky sky is caused by cirrostratus.

Altocumulus with cirrostratus

Cirrostratus

Cirrostratus (top left), Areas of altocumulus bands center and lower right)

Cirrostratus and altostratus with a contrail (condensation Trail)

Cirrostratus with a halo - Ice crystals in the correct orientation with the sun cause haloes. Water droplets cause coronae. Notice the banding in the clouds indicating waves in the atmosphere.

Altocumulus

Altocumulus

Altocumulus