23 March 2017: World Meteorological Day

23 March 2017: World Meteorological Day - Cloud Atlas

The theme of the 2017 World Meteorological Day, celebrated on 23 March 2017, is ‘Understanding Clouds.’

The Understanding Clouds theme aims to highlight the enormous importance of clouds for weather, climate, and water. Clouds are central to weather observations and forecasts. Clouds are one of the key uncertainties in the study of climate change: scientists need to better understand how clouds affect the climate and how a changing climate will affect clouds.

World Meteorological Day also provides an opportunity to celebrate the inherent beauty and aesthetic appeal of clouds, which has inspired artists, poets, musicians, photographers and countless other enthusiasts throughout history.

World Meteorological Day marks the launch of a new edition of the World Meteorological Organization's (WMO) International Cloud Atlas after the most thorough and far-reaching revision in its long and distinguished history. The new Cloud Atlas is a treasure trove of hundreds of images of clouds, including a few newly classified cloud types. It also features other meteorological phenomena such as rainbows, halos, snow devils and hailstones. For the first time ever, the Atlas has been produced in a digital format and is accessible via both computers and mobile devices.

The International Cloud Atlas is the single authoritative and most comprehensive reference for identifying clouds. It is an essential training tool for professionals in the meteorological community and those working in aviation and shipping. Its reputation is legendary among cloud enthusiasts.

The International Cloud Atlas has its roots in the late 19th century. It was revised on several occasions in the 20th century, most recently in 1987, as a hard copy book, before the advent of the Internet.

Advances in science, technology and photography have enabled the ambitious and exhaustive task of revising and updating the Cloud Atlas with images contributed by meteorologists, cloud watchers, and photographers from around the world.

MARTINA NICOLLS is an international aid and development consultant, and the author of:- The Shortness of Life: A Mongolian Lament (2015), Liberia’s Deadest Ends (2012), Bardot’s Comet (2011), Kashmir on a Knife-Edge (2010) and The Sudan Curse (2009).

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