Let’s first discuss why you would want to forecast the weather by only looking at the clouds. This is the closest you will ever get to superpowers!
Kitesurfing depends on wind and clouds can make a big difference to the wind. Clouds can do all kinds of things to the wind. They can make it stronger or weaker, change its direction, or kill it off. Kitesurfers need to be able to recognize the meaning of certain clouds and what to do about them. This will help you choose the right size kite and decide if it is safe to venture onto the water. Or maybe sneak in an unexpected session that wasn’t planned.
How do clouds form?
It occurs when the earth’s surface is heated by the sun. The hot air at ground-level rises because warm air is denser than cold air. The hot air begins to cool as the water vapour in these air particles becomes more dense. The water vapour must have something to condense on in order to create a cloud. The perfect surface is made up of tiny particles like dust, salt, and smoke. A single cloud droplet forms when enough vapour is condensed around one of these particles. These droplets are so tiny that one cubic meter of air can contain 100 million. Droplets can mix and fall from the sky in rain, snow or sleet if they are heavy enough.
What is the difference between low and high pressure systems
Heat from the sun is what causes all winds. Hot air rises from warmer areas of the earth, and then cools when it reaches colder regions. Extremes of these phenomena occur at the Equator, the North/South poles.
At sea level, the standard atmospheric pressure is 1013 at 25 millibars. Anything higher than this is considered “High pressure”, and anything lower is considered “Low pressure”.
Low pressure: This is created when hot air rises from sea level to the upper atmosphere, leaving behind a smaller area of dense air close to the surface.
High pressure: This is an area of high pressure that forms when air descends from the upper atmosphere to sea level, creating dense heavy air near the surface. High pressure is the reason for its name.
Air is naturally drawn to travel from high pressure areas towards low pressure areas. It is like an inflated balloon. The pressure inside is high because there are many air particles packed into a very small area. The balloon is released and air flows into the surrounding atmosphere, which has a lower pressure. The same holds true for the air surrounding our planet. Winds around the planet are created by the movement of air between pressure systems.
Low pressure can bring heavy rain and wind, while high pressure can bring calm, clear, and sunny conditions. Even if it means a little rain, I know which one I would choose! 🙂
This post was written by Aaron McClearnon, Owner of Elite Watersports. At Elite Watersports, We strive to provide exceptional service and genuine interactions with those interested in Kiteboarding Lessons In Sarasota FL. We hold dear our passion for being out on the water and maintain this as our foundation for all business practices.
