Learn how to understand the skies with this comprehensive guide to cloud spotting.

Clouds have been a subject of fascination throughout history, their ephemeral majesty and endless variability providing food for thought for both scientists and dreamers.

This definitive guide to clouds and skies by Richard Hamblyn introduces you to all the different types of clouds. The Met Office Cloud Guide will enable you to recognize individual clouds, skies, and phenomena. You will also be able to monitor their possible changes over time and predict the effects they may have on the weather you might experience.

Produced in collaboration with the Met Office - the world's leading weather forecasting organization - all information on the origin and development of a cloud is included here. Whether you are looking at a giant cumulus cloud or a small patch of stratus, your cloud spotting experience will be more informed and much more satisfying with this handy reference guide.

This new edition brings this classic and best-selling book fully up to date, including 12 new types of clouds that were recently officially recognized by the World Meteorological Organization. Many of these previously had only informal names, but their new Latin classification places them among the official global meteorological terms. It also includes a new foreword by the Met Office Chief Meteorologist and an updated section on climate change and the role clouds may play in shaping future conditions on Earth.

The Met Office Cloud Guide includes a detailed introduction to the history of cloud classification and is accompanied by stunning illustrations from around the world. Take it with you on walks and keep it handy in your garden so you can enjoy sky watching every day. This is the only cloud classification guide you'll ever need.