Do Stormy-Weather Clouds Cool or Warm The Earth?
January 2001 People that like to “read” the weather say that the appearance of high, thin clouds in the horizon usually means that a storm is coming. What often follows are gray, ominous clouds that bring with them rain or snow, and then the weather begins to clear again and puffy, white clouds fill the sky. The passage of the storm may last one or two days, and during this time, clouds of all different types parade through the sky. Does the presence of those clouds in the stormy sky make the atmosphere colder or warmer than it would be without them? At first glance, the answer to this question may appear obvious. After all, we all have experienced the chill in the air when a cloud blocks the sun. We also know, however, that a clear, starry night usually feels colder than a cloudy one. This is because clouds not only block sunlight but also trap the Earth’s heat and prevent it from escaping into space. Some cloud types, like low, thick stratus clouds, are very good in blocking the sun
