The Select Correct Cloud Type dialog Clouds information dialog allows for the input of CL cloud type (code CL), CM cloud type (code CM), and CH cloud type (code CH).
CL, Low cloud type -

Definition: Definition: Clouds of type Stratocumulus, Stratus, Cumulus and Cumulonimbus.

Stratocumulus (Sc) - Gray or whitish patch, sheet or layer of cloud which almost always has dark pats, composed of tessellations, rounded masses, rolls, etc., which are nonfibrous, and which may or may not be merged; most of the regularly arranges small elements have an apparent width of more than 5 degrees.

Stratus (St) - Generally gray cloud layer with a fairly uniform base, which may give drizzle, ice prisms, or snow grains. When the sun is visible through the cloud, its outline is clearly discernible. Stratus generally does not produce halo phenomena.

Cumulus (Cu) - Detached clouds, generally dense and with sharp outline, developing vertically in the form of rising mounds, domes, or towers, of which the bulging upper part often resembles a cauliflower. The sunlit parts are mostly brilliant white; their base is relatively dark and nearly horizontal.

Cumulonimbus (Cb) - Heavy, dense cloud, with considerable vertical extent, in the form of a mountain or huge towers. At least part of its upper portion is usually smooth, fibrous, or striated, and nearly always flattened; this part often spreads out in the shape of an anvil or vast plume.

Method of Measurement: Visual Observation. Use the NWS cloud pictures or other suitable cloud atlas.

Dialog Operation: Select the appropriate description using the mouse or the up/down arrow keys in the CL list box. As a selection is made in the list box, the associated picture and a full description is displayed and code CL is determined.

All CL cloud pictures can be viewed simultaneously by clicking the 'Display All Cloud Types' button. When this cloud picture dialog is opened select the appropriate cloud formation by clicking the picture then clicking 'Use Value'.

Definition: Definition: Clouds of type Altocumulus, Altostratus and Nimbostratus.

Altocumulus (Ac) - White or gray patch, sheet, or layer of cloud, generally with shading, composed of laminae, rounded masses, rolls, etc, which are sometimes partly fibrous or diffuse, and which may or may not be merged; most of the regularly arranged small elements usually have an apparent width between one and five degrees.

Altostratus (As) Grayish or bluish sheet of layer of striated, fibrous, or uniform appearance, totally or partly covering the sky. And having parts thin enough to reveal the sun at least vaguely, as through ground glass. Does not show halo phenomena.

Nimbostratus (Ns) - Heavy cloud layer, often dark the appearance of which is rendered diffuse by falling rain or snow, which in most cases reached the ground. It is thick enough to blot out the sun or moon.

Method of Measurement: Visual Observation. Use the NWS cloud pictures or other suitable cloud atlas.

Dialog Operation: Select the appropriate description using the mouse or the up/down arrow keys in the CM list box. As a selection is made in the list box, the associated picture and a full description is displayed and code CM is determined.

All CM cloud pictures can be viewed simultaneously by clicking the 'Display All Cloud Types' button. When this cloud picture dialog is opened select the appropriate cloud formation by clicking the picture then clicking 'Use Value'.

Definition: Clouds of type Cirrus, Cirrocumulus, Cirrostratus.

Cirrus (Ci) - Detached clouds in the form of delicate white filaments or white or mostly white patches of narrow bands. These clouds have a fibrous appearance (hairlike), or a silky sheen, or both.

Cirrocumulus (Cs) - Thin white patch, sheet , or layer of cloud without shading, composed of very small elements in the form of grains, ripples, etc., merged or separate, and more or less regularly arranged; most of the elements have an appearance width of less than one degree.

Cirrostratus (Cs) - Transparent, whitish cloud veil of fibrous (hairlike) or smooth appearance, totally or partially covering the sky, and generally producing halo phenomena.

Method of Measurement: Visual Observation. Use the NWS cloud pictures or other suitable cloud atlas.

Dialog Operation: Select the appropriate description using the mouse or the up/down arrow keys in the CH list box. As a selection is made in the list box, the associated picture and a full description is displayed and code CH is determined.

All CH cloud pictures can be viewed simultaneously by clicking the 'Display All Cloud Types' button. When this cloud picture dialog is opened select the appropriate cloud formation by clicking the picture then clicking 'Use Value'.