Explore cloud cover, satellite imagery and changing cloud patterns around the world with our interactive live cloud map. Move around the map and zoom into different regions to explore cloud cover and satellite imagery. Cloud monitoring Explore current cloud cover A cloud radar or cloud map provides a visual overview of cloud cover across large areas. The interactive map above uses satellite imagery to help you see where clouds are currently present and how cloud patterns are distributed across different regions. Cloud cover is an important part of understanding current weather conditions. Large cloud systems can extend across entire countries, while smaller cloud formations may develop locally and change rapidly during the day. By zooming out, you can observe broad cloud bands and weather systems. Zooming in provides a closer view of individual regions and can help you compare cloud conditions between nearby areas. A live cloud map is useful alongside other weather tools because cloud cover alone does not tell the whole story. Combining satellite imagery with information about rain, wind, temperature and air pressure provides a much more complete picture of the atmosphere. Cloud observation How does a cloud map work? Cloud maps commonly use satellite observations to show cloud patterns over large areas. Weather satellites observe the Earth and atmosphere from space and provide imagery that can be used to identify areas covered by clouds. Unlike precipitation radar, which detects reflected radio signals from rain, snow and other precipitation, satellite cloud imagery observes the atmosphere from above. This makes it particularly useful for seeing large-scale cloud systems over land and oceans. Satellite imagery helps show where clouds cover the surface and where skies appear clearer. Large weather systems Broad cloud bands can reveal the structure of fronts and other large atmospheric systems. Successive satellite observations can help show how cloud systems develop and move over time. Satellite imagery How to read the live cloud map Start by moving the map to the region you want to examine. A wide view is useful for recognizing large cloud systems, while a closer view makes it easier to inspect cloud cover around a particular country or region. Dense cloud areas may appear as extensive bright or structured regions in satellite imagery, while clearer areas generally show less cloud coverage. The exact appearance depends on the satellite product, time of day and map provider. Cloud patterns are often most useful when viewed over a large area. A long cloud band stretching across several countries may be connected with a weather front, while isolated cloud development can be associated with more localized weather. Satellite imagery should not automatically be interpreted as rain. Clouds can be present without producing precipitation, and rain can vary considerably beneath the same broad cloud system. If you want to check whether precipitation is actually occurring, compare the cloud map with our Rain Radar or Weather Radar . Cloud classification Understanding different cloud types Clouds appear in many different shapes, heights and structures. Meteorologists classify clouds using internationally standardized categories. Understanding basic cloud types can help explain why different skies are associated with different weather conditions. A satellite cloud map can show the distribution and structure of cloud systems, but it should not be assumed that every individual cloud type can be identified reliably from this map alone. Detailed cloud classification requires additional observation and interpretation. Cirrus clouds occur at high levels and often appear thin, fibrous or wispy. Cumulus clouds often have a distinct, puffy appearance and can develop vertically when the atmosphere is unstable. Stratus clouds generally form lower, more uniform cloud layers that can cover large parts of the sky. Cumulonimbus clouds have strong vertical development and can be associated with thunderstorms and heavy precipitation. Altocumulus clouds occur at middle levels and often appear as groups or layers of rounded cloud elements. Nimbostratus clouds can form extensive layers and are commonly associated with widespread precipitation. Weather patterns What can clouds tell us about the weather? Clouds form as water vapor in the atmosphere condenses into tiny water droplets or ice particles. Their appearance, height and development can provide useful clues about atmospheric conditions. Large areas of layered cloud may accompany broad weather systems, while rapidly growing vertical clouds can indicate atmospheric instability. However, cloud appearance alone is not enough to determine exactly what weather will occur. Clouds and rain Some cloud systems produce precipitation while others remain dry. Thick cloud cover does not necessarily mean heavy rain, and thin or broken cloud may sometimes occur near active showers. Clouds and thunderstorms Strong vertical cloud development can occur when warm, moist air rises through an unstable atmosphere. Cumulonimbus clouds are closely associated with thunderstorms and can produce heavy rain, lightning, hail and strong winds. For active thunderstorm monitoring, use our Thunderstorm Tracker . Clouds and temperature Cloud cover can also influence temperature. During the day, clouds can reduce the amount of solar energy reaching the surface. At night, cloud layers can reduce heat loss from the ground compared with completely clear conditions. You can compare cloud patterns with our Temperature map. Practical applications When is a live cloud map useful? Cloud imagery is useful for much more than simply checking whether the sky is cloudy. Broad satellite coverage provides valuable context for many weather-related activities.

Weather monitoring Observe large cloud systems and compare them with rain, wind and forecast information. Cloud conditions are an important component of aviation weather, although professional flight planning requires official aviation data. Outdoor activities Check cloud cover before hiking, photography, sports or other activities outdoors. Cloud patterns and breaks in cloud cover can be useful when planning outdoor or landscape photography. Cloud cover can provide additional weather context for agricultural and field activities. Use satellite imagery alongside forecasts when checking weather conditions around a destination. Understanding the map Limitations of cloud satellite imagery A cloud map is an excellent tool for seeing large-scale atmospheric patterns, but it has limitations. Satellite imagery does not always tell you exactly how high a cloud is, whether it is producing rain at the ground or what conditions are like beneath the cloud layer. The appearance of clouds can also vary depending on the type of satellite image being displayed. Visible satellite imagery depends on reflected sunlight, while other satellite products can provide information during darkness using different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. Individual cloud types cannot always be reliably identified from a broad satellite image. What appears to be one continuous area on the map may contain several layers and types of cloud at different altitudes. For this reason, cloud imagery is best interpreted together with other meteorological information such as precipitation radar, temperature, wind, air pressure and weather forecasts. Clouds and forecasting Cloud cover and weather forecasts Cloud development is an important part of weather forecasting because clouds are connected with moisture, atmospheric motion and changing weather systems. Forecast models attempt to predict future cloud cover along with temperature, precipitation, wind and other atmospheric variables. Satellite observations provide valuable information about the cloud conditions that are actually present. Looking at both current satellite imagery and future forecasts can therefore provide more context than using either tool alone. For upcoming conditions, visit our Weather Forecast . More live weather maps Combine cloud monitoring with precipitation, wind, temperature and other weather information. Explore current precipitation and changing weather systems. View Weather Radar → Follow rainfall, showers and precipitation patterns. View Rain Radar → Explore wind direction, speed and global wind patterns. View Wind Radar → Compare temperatures and regional temperature patterns. View Temperature → Follow high and low pressure systems around the world. View Air Pressure → Weather Forecast Explore expected weather and cloud developments. View Forecast → Cloud radar FAQ The map provides satellite-based information about cloud cover and cloud patterns across different regions. The term Cloud Radar is commonly used for cloud-tracking maps, but the map on this page primarily uses satellite imagery rather than conventional precipitation radar. Satellite cloud imagery can help distinguish broad cloudy and clearer regions, although local conditions may differ from the appearance of a large-scale map. No. Many clouds do not produce precipitation at the ground. Use Rain Radar or Weather Radar to check current precipitation. A satellite map can show cloud structures and patterns, but individual cloud types cannot always be identified reliably from broad satellite imagery alone. Cumulonimbus clouds are associated with thunderstorms and can produce heavy precipitation, lightning, hail and strong winds. Yes. Clouds can influence how much solar energy reaches the surface during the day and how quickly heat escapes from the surface at night. Clouds continually form, move and dissipate as temperature, moisture, wind and atmospheric motion change. Official references Cloud information and classification For authoritative information about cloud observation and international cloud classification, see the World Meteorological Organization’s official International Cloud Atlas. WMO – International Cloud Atlas WMO – Cloud Classification Summary