PANAJI
In the past, farmers would only have to look at the sky to predict whether it would be a rainy or sunny day. Celebrating World Meteorological Day under the theme “Understanding Clouds”, Goa Meteorological Department has said the general public can use satellite images and simply staring at the sky predict the weather.
“There are three main types of clouds based on which the weather can be predicted. The Met department also has satellite imagery that is open for the public to see for themselves,” said Goa Met Department Director M L Sahu.
The three main types of clouds are classified as low, medium and high clouds. Those that can be seen in the lower strata, closer to land are the low clouds and are usually seen during pre monsoon and during the monsoon.
Those in the medium range are the ones that can be seen towards the end of the monsoon while the high clouds depict clearer skies and winter season.
According to the World Meteorological Organisation, clouds are central to weather observations and forecasts. They are considered one of the key uncertainties in the study of climate change and need to better understand how clouds affect the climate and how a changing climate will affect clouds. Clouds play a critical role in the water cycle and shaping the global distribution of water resources.
Indian satellites allow for satellite images to be seen on the Met department’s main website either as visible images or infrared images. “Visible images of the satellite image show clouds from the lower strata while infrared show of the higher and temperature of the cloud,” said Sahu.
As part of the celebrations, Meteorological Centre, Goa, will observe Open House on March 23, from 10 am to 4 pm, for students and general public. There will be an exhibition on Meteorological instruments and a talk related to the theme at 12 pm by eminent scientist Dr Ramesh Kumar from NIO, in the seminar hall of the office.
