Live · Clouds · Germany & worldwide
The cloud map shows modeled cloud cover worldwide. High-pressure areas often appear clear, low-pressure areas densely overcast – a first hint at upcoming weather.
Dense low cloud cover often indicates precipitation; high thin cirrus can signal approaching fronts. Cumulonimbus clouds are typical for thunderstorms – then check the thunderstorm radar.
Combined with pressure and rain radar you can estimate whether cloud cover will release as precipitation.
Bright, dense areas mean heavy cloud cover. Gaps and darker zones indicate clearer sections.
Elongated cloud bands often point to fronts – then add rain and pressure radar.
Local, tall structures can be cumulonimbus – check the thunderstorm radar for lightning.
Clouds alone do not always mean rain: High cirrus can appear days before a front without any drizzle. Falling pressure plus increasing low cloud cover is the typical pattern before widespread rain.
Open the rain radar in parallel: Where dark precipitation cells form under dense cloud cover, the situation becomes concrete. Switch to the thunderstorm radar immediately if there is lightning activity.
Dense clouds noticeably reduce UV radiation; thin veils often barely do. For sun protection and outdoor planning, use the cloud map together with the UV index guide.
Photographers and drone pilots use the map to find gaps in the cloud field. The timelapse shows whether holes are closing or opening.
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