Home / Editor's Pick /

Thickness & opacity: Understanding clouds on the WeatherRadar

11:00
19 May 2024

Thickness & opacity
Understanding clouds on the WeatherRadar

Examples of different cloud types on the WeatherRadar.Examples of different cloud types on the WeatherRadar.

Did you know you can tell how much sunshine will be getting through the clouds on the WeatherRadar?

The WeatherRadar showcases a whole host of information, including cloud cover.

The clouds have various thicknesses and different levels of transparency, as in real life, so that you can get a realistic picture of how the weather looks on the ground.

Some clouds, for example thick low clouds or extensive rain-bearing clouds will absorb all the sunlight, such as stratocumulus and nimbostratus, while others such as thinner, wispier high clouds, such as cirrus, are often semi-transparent allowing plenty of sunshine and are associated with drier weather.

You will also be able to see sun and moon symbols under thinner clouds, representing how much sunshine or moonlight will be getting through the clouds.

Make the most of your WeatherRadarread more

Check the latest cloud cover forecast on the WeatherRadar for your area!

More on the topic
Sunday 6 July 2025

Your weather - Your shots

Shining summer clouds light the night
Snow-covered car and weather radar
Tuesday 8 July 2025

Winter feeling in summer

Fresh snow in the Alps
Flood water and weather radar showing heavy rain and thunderstorms over the southern US.
Thursday 10 July 2025

Downpours & flash floods

More severe weather in the USA
All weather news
This might also interest you
Monday 7 July 2025

Breakfast brief

Broadly dry, cooler start to the week
Friday 4 July 2025

Breakfast brief

Gusty and wet end to the week
Monday 14 July 2025

Breakfast brief

Turning gusty as temperatures ease
All articles
Weather & Radar

www.weatherandradar.ie

facebooktwitteryouTubeContact uslinkList
Privacy Policy | Legal info | Accessibility statement