Episode 65

65 - Look up! Clouds!

65 - Look up! Clouds!

In this episode, we explore how everyday cloud watching can become a fascinating and practical hobby. From understanding different types of clouds to predicting the weather based on their shapes, you'll learn how to become your own amateur forecaster. Whether you're hiking, birdwatching, or just taking a stroll, this episode will inspire you to look up and connect with nature in a new way.

Core Cloud Types Explained
We break down cirrus, stratus, cumulus, and nimbus clouds—what they look like, and what they mean for the weather.

What Cloud Shapes Tell Us About Storms
Learn how to spot storm-building formations like cumulonimbus and nimbostratus, and how their appearance can signal rain or thunderstorms.

Rare and Beautiful Cloud Forms
Ever seen a cloud that looks like a UFO or ocean wave? We discuss lenticular, mammatus, and Kelvin-Helmholtz clouds, and what causes them.

The Science Behind Fog and Dew Points
Discover how clouds form close to the ground and why dew points matter in everyday forecasting.

Takeaways:
Clouds are not just decorations in the sky—they're clues. By understanding the different types of clouds and their behaviors, you can make educated guesses about the weather. It’s a fun and accessible way to bring science into your daily life. Observing the sky can be a peaceful practice or a helpful tool while outdoors. Start a cloud journal, learn to recognize patterns, and enjoy becoming a neighborhood naturalist one step at a time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7C_0lATd8Z0

https://www.weather.gov/lmk/cloud_classification

https://www.noaa.gov/jetstream/clouds/nws-cloud-chart


Jill’s Links

https://buzzblossomandsqueak.com/?p=420

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod

Buzz Blossom and Squeak Website https://buzzblossomandsqueak.com/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/schmern

Blog Headquarters at https://abetterlifeinsmallsteps.com/

Email the podcast at mailto: jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

About the Podcast

Show artwork for Buzz Blossom & Squeak
Buzz Blossom & Squeak
Become a neighbhorhood naturalist right outside your front door!

Listen for free

About your host

Profile picture for Jill McKinley

Jill McKinley

I’m Jill from the Northwoods. Professionally, I work in Health IT, where I untangle complex systems and help people use technology more effectively. But at heart, I’m a curious lifelong learner—always exploring how things work, why people grow the way they do, and how even the smallest steps can spark real transformation. That curiosity fuels everything I do, from problem-solving at work to sharing insights through my creative projects.

My journey wasn’t always easy. Growing up, I faced a rough childhood, and books became my lifeline. They introduced me to voices of ancient wisdom, modern psychology, and the natural world around me. Those pages taught me resilience, gave me perspective, and helped me see that wisdom is everywhere—waiting to be noticed, gathered, and shared.