Cloud Base Calculator
Calculate cloud base height and temperature using meteorological formulas
Calculate Cloud Base Height
Current air temperature at measurement location
Temperature at which water vapor condenses
Elevation above sea level where measurements were taken
Unit for cloud base altitude result
Cloud Formation Results
Formula Used: Cloud Base = (T - Td) / 10°C × 1247m + Elevation
Cloud Type: Cumulus, Stratus, Stratocumulus
Lapse Rate: 0.984°C per 100m
Dew Point Spread: 5.0°C
Cloud Classifications by Altitude
Example Calculation
Typical Summer Day
Air Temperature: 25°C
Dew Point: 15°C
Elevation: 100m above sea level
Temperature Spread: 10°C
Calculation Steps
1. Temperature spread: 25°C - 15°C = 10°C
2. Height calculation: (10°C / 10°C) × 1247m = 1247m
3. Add elevation: 1247m + 100m = 1347m
Cloud Base: 1,347m above sea level
Classification: Low clouds (Cumulus)
Atmospheric Lapse Rates
Dry Adiabatic Lapse Rate
0.984°C per 100m
Temperature decrease with altitude
Dew Point Lapse Rate
0.182°C per 100m
Dew point decrease with altitude
Spread Convergence
0.802°C per 100m
Temperature-dew point convergence
Applications
Weather forecasting and prediction
Aviation flight planning
Meteorological research
Photography and landscape planning
Agricultural and outdoor activities
Understanding Cloud Base Height
What is Cloud Base Height?
Cloud base height is the altitude at which water vapor in rising air cools to its dew point temperature and begins to condense into visible water droplets, forming clouds. This altitude is also known as the Lifting Condensation Level (LCL).
Why Does it Matter?
- •Aviation: Critical for flight safety and visibility
- •Weather Forecasting: Predicts precipitation likelihood
- •Agriculture: Impacts crop irrigation and growth
- •Outdoor Activities: Affects visibility and weather
Calculation Formula
Cloud Base = (T - Td) / 10°C × 1247m + Elevation
- T: Air temperature (°C)
- Td: Dew point temperature (°C)
- T - Td: Temperature spread
- 10°C: Convergence rate per 1247m
- 1247m: Standard height factor
- Elevation: Measurement height above sea level
Note: This formula is based on standard atmospheric conditions and adiabatic cooling rates.
Physical Principles Behind Cloud Formation
Adiabatic Cooling
As air rises, it expands and cools at approximately 0.984°C per 100 meters of altitude gain.
Dew Point Convergence
The dew point temperature decreases more slowly with altitude than air temperature, causing convergence.
Condensation Level
When air temperature equals dew point temperature, water vapor condenses to form visible clouds.