Do cirrus clouds mean rain will arrive within 24 hours?

Not always. Cirrus and cirrostratus often form ahead of a warm front and can indicate a change within a day, but cloud type alone cannot provide an exact arrival time or guarantee rain.

What's the difference between stratus and nimbostratus?

Stratus is a low, fairly uniform layer that may bring mist or drizzle. Nimbostratus is a thicker layered cloud associated with widespread, persistent rain or snow, although the precipitation is not always heavy.

Do lenticular clouds mean a summit is dangerously windy?

They show mountain-wave conditions and may accompany strong gusty winds or turbulence, but they do not prove a particular summit wind speed. Check the mountain forecast and turn back if conditions threaten balance or safety.

Staying on Track

A Hiker’s Guide to Clouds

Clouds can give hillwalkers useful clues about changing conditions, but they are not a timetable. Learn what common cloud types may indicate while still checking a current mountain forecast.

27 August 202611 min read