Observation notebook

What clouds can tell us

Begin with the broad picture: is the cloud layer smooth or broken, high above the horizon or sitting close to the hills? Describing what you see is more useful than trying to name everything at once.

Look for change

Return to the same view after a short walk. Note whether patches have joined, whether a cloud edge has sharpened, or whether the light is becoming softer. A sequence of modest observations makes a better record than a single confident guess.

Keep the horizon in view

At the coast, the horizon gives movement a clear reference. Compare the direction of low cloud with the ripples near shore. They may tell different stories about the layers above the water.

A notebook is a record of attention, not a promise about tomorrow.

For travel or decisions on the water, consult an official local forecast and current safety advice.