Clouds give away in almost every case, weather that is coming your way; you just have to know what you are looking at.

This assumes you know the basic cloud formations enough to tell them apart and is a very good description of how each cloud formation serves as a predictor of future weather.

There are 10 types of clouds that you should be able to recognize, but if you get their names confused, just remember that the higher the clouds, the better the weather will be.

1. Cirrocumulus Clouds look like ripples of water on the surface of a lake. There are a sign of good weather and often dissipate to blue sky.

2. Altocumulus Clouds are fair weather clouds. They usually occur after a storm.

3. Cumulonimbus Clouds are low thunder clouds that bring hail, strong wind, thunder and lightning. They have a characteristic flat, anvil-like top.

4. Cumulus Clouds are easily recognizable, large, white, fluffy clouds. They indicate fair weather when they are widely separated, but if they are large and many headed, they are capable of bringing heavy showers.

5. Cirrus Clouds are high altitude, wispy clouds, seen in fine weather.

6. Cirrostratus Clouds are made up of ice particles and form a halo around the sun. If a Cirrus filled sky darkens and turns to Cirrostratus it is a sign of rain or snow, depending on temperature.

7. Altostratus Couds form a greyish veil over the sun or moon. If they get darker and thicken, it is a sign that rain is on the way.

8. Nimbostratus Clouds form low blankets of cloud and indicate rain or snow, lasting for several hours.

9. Stratocumulus Clouds can form a lumpy mass covering the entire sky and may produce light rain, but usually dissipate by the late afternoon or evening.

10. Stratus Clouds are low clouds that form a fog like layer and may produce drizzle. If they form thickly at night and cover the morning sky, they will usually burn off and produce a fine day.

Clouds are an awesome predictor of the weather – in almost every case, what you see is a good indicator of the weather approaching your direction.

To stay on top of the weather, you have to regularly check the cloud formations, as they can change very quickly, but generally, this guideline will help you avoid severe weather reliably.

To learn more about clouds and their formations, check out Survival Life.