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Rule Cloudscapes

Furnas - Cloudscapes - Azores

Furnas, Azores, Portugal

Multi-layered dramatic clouds for striking sky photography

Currently

Real-time conditions
Cloud Cover52%
Wind Gusts4.5m/s
Precipitation Chance0%
Air Pressure995.7hPa

Upcoming Opportunities

When all conditions match, PhotoWeather marks an opportunity window.

Times shown in Atlantic/Azores
cloudscapes weather icon
Next opportunity
Striking Cloud Drama
Furnas
Today · 19:00–20:00 · 1h window
Medium confidence
58%
☁️Cloud Drama Score76%
Cloud Cover: 77%
Wind Gusts: 2.4m/s
Precipitation Chance: 6%
Air Pressure: 995.1hPa
cloudscapes weather icon
Dramatic Cloud Drama at Sunset
Furnas
Today · 20:00–21:00
☁️Cloud Drama Score:85%
Medium
cloudscapes weather icon
Dramatic Cloud Drama
Furnas
Tue, May 26 · 08:00–10:00
☁️Cloud Drama Score:83.2-85.2%
Low
cloudscapes weather icon
Dramatic Cloud Drama
Furnas
Tue, May 26 · 19:00–20:00
☁️Cloud Drama Score:87.1%
Medium
cloudscapes weather icon
Dramatic Cloud Drama at Sunset
Furnas
Tue, May 26 · 20:00–22:00
☁️Cloud Drama Score:82.6-88.2%
Low
cloudscapes weather icon
Dramatic Cloud Drama
Furnas
Sat, May 30 · 07:00–08:00
☁️Cloud Drama Score:86.8%
Low

What this forecast looks for

Plain-language explanation from the rule

This forecast tracks dramatic cloud conditions over the Azores' volcanic archipelago, where Atlantic weather systems create ever-changing atmospheric drama across crater lakes, volcanic peaks, and mid-ocean landscapes. We analyze cloud types, coverage patterns, and system movement to predict when sky drama combines with the islands' distinctive geological features.

The Azores' mid-Atlantic position means constant interaction with weather systems moving from the Americas toward Europe. The islands' volcanic peaks—particularly Pico's 2,351-metre cone—pierce clouds and generate their own weather, creating lenticular clouds and dramatic clearing patterns. The notorious "four seasons in one day" weather produces rapidly changing cloudscapes.

What makes Azores cloudscape photography special:

  • Pico mountain drama - Portugal's highest peak generates lenticular clouds and pierces Atlantic weather systems, visible from multiple islands
  • Crater contexts - Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo calderas provide dramatic foregrounds for towering clouds and storm systems
  • Island-hopping perspectives - Each island offers views of neighbors under changing weather—Faial to Pico, São Jorge to Pico, creating layered compositions
  • Atlantic weather theatre - Mid-ocean location means unobstructed views of approaching and departing storm systems with rapid changes

Pico mountain dominates cloudscape photography—shoot from Faial, Madalena on Pico island, or São Jorge for different perspectives under dramatic skies. When lenticular clouds form over Pico's summit, multiple islands offer viewpoints. Sete Cidades caldera provides epic compositions when towering cumulus builds over the twin lakes and volcanic rim. Lagoa do Fogo's higher elevation means shooting at cloud level, with drama both above and below in inversions. Furnas valley works beautifully when storms move through—dark clouds, volcanic steam, and moody light combine. Post-frontal conditions bring the most spectacular cloudscapes. Autumn and winter bring the most dynamic systems.

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72-hour requirements breakdown

What passed or failed, hour by hour
7matching hours in the next 79 hoursJump to next match
OR logic: one branch per group is enough
Meets requirement
Misses requirement
Time
Atlantic/Azores
Cloud Drama Score
≥ 75.0%
Low Clouds
≥ 20.0%
Mid-Level Clouds
OR1·B1
≥ 30.0%
High Clouds
OR1·B2
≥ 40.0%
Visibility
≥ 5000.0m
Sun, May 24
05:003.4%93%0%5%6400m
06:0033%100%0%5%6522m
07:0036%96%0%5%6905m
08:0048%84%0%5%24134m
09:0083%71%0%21%24134m
10:0067%31%0%52%24135m
11:0067%42%0%54%24134m
12:0045%51%0%17%24135m
13:0032%50%0%5%24135m
14:0037%59%0%5.6%24135m
15:0046%67%0%11%24134m
16:0067%65%0%59%24134m
17:0055%62%0%63%24134m
18:0064%58%0%68%24134m
19:0076%42%0%77%24135m
20:0085%23%0%68%24134m
21:0070%0%0%56%24135m
22:0014%0%0%34%24134m
23:0013%0%0%5%24135m
Mon, May 25
24:0010%0%0%5%24135m
01:007.3%1.8%0%5%24135m
02:007.3%4.4%0%5%24135m
03:0010%7.7%0%5%24135m
04:0014%14%0%5%24134m
05:0015%18%0%3.4%24134m
06:0053%16%0%3.3%24134m
07:0054%27%0%0%24135m
08:0058%32%0%0%24134m
09:0046%30%0%0%24135m
10:0045%35%0%0%24135m
11:0045%64%0%0%18904m
12:0032%61%0%0%21438m
13:0032%66%0%0%20326m
14:0032%63%0%0%21953m
15:0031%38%0%0%24134m
16:0044%37%0%0%24134m
17:0046%47%0%2.9%24135m
18:0050%44%0%0%24134m
19:0031%14%0%0%24135m
20:0018%2.3%0%0%24134m
21:0017%0%0%0%24135m
22:0017%2.2%0%0%24134m
23:009.4%3.7%0%0%24134m
Tue, May 26
24:0010%2.3%0%1.3%24135m
01:0014%2.7%0%4.8%24134m
02:0015%8.7%0%13%24135m
03:0015%16%0%94%24134m
04:0013%21%2.9%94%24134m
05:0014%25%19%93%24134m
06:0054%31%2.9%100%8518m
07:0056%41%2.9%100%6571m
08:0085%42%0%67%23683m
09:0083%47%2.9%55%23117m
10:0062%55%2.9%60%23203m
11:0079%61%4.7%38%21675m
12:0037%57%91%92%19422m
13:0039%36%37%92%21136m
14:0035%16%98%100%23515m
15:0018%7.7%6.8%100%24135m
16:0042%0%56%100%24134m
17:0048%0.4%82%3.7%24135m
18:0083%11%37%0%24134m
19:0087%26%42%0%24095m
20:0088%41%47%0%24056m
21:0083%56%52%0%24017m
22:0073%38%34%0%24056m
23:000%19%17%0%24096m
Wed, May 27
24:000%0%0%0%24135m
01:000%0%0%0%23349m
02:000%0%0%0%22563m
03:000%0%0%0%21777m
04:000%0%0%0.8%22563m
05:000%0%0%1.6%23349m
06:0018%0%0%2.4%24135m
07:0017%0%0%1.6%24135m
08:0013%0%0%0.8%24135m
09:002.2%0%0%0%24135m
10:005.4%0%0.27%1.7%24135m
11:005.4%0%0.53%3.3%24135m
How to read: colored cells show whether each predicate requirement is met; highlighted rows mean the full rule matched (an opportunity). For OR groups, only one branch is required, so some OR-branch predicates can be ✕ even in a matching hour.

What does Cloud Drama Score mean?

Inputs that drive the score

This derived score summarizes multiple raw weather signals. The table below shows the supporting inputs hour by hour, so you can see what's pushing the score up or down.

Time
Atlantic/Azores
Air Pressure
hPa
High Clouds
%
Mid-Level Clouds
%
Precipitation Chance
%
Relative Humidity
%
Solar Elevation
°
Total Cloud Coverage
%
Wind Gusts
m/s
Wind Speed
m/s
Sun, May 24 Sunrise 06:25 Sunset 20:51
13:00
996hPa 5% 0% 0% 78% 71° 52% 4.5m/s 3.5m/s
14:00
996hPa 6% 0% 0% 77% 72° 59% 4.4m/s 3.4m/s
15:00
995hPa 11% 0% 0% 78% 66° 66% 4m/s 3.1m/s
16:00
995hPa 59% 0% 0% 79% 55° 67% 3.2m/s 2.5m/s
17:00
995hPa 63% 0% 0% 79% 44° 70% 2.9m/s 2.2m/s
18:00
995hPa 68% 0% 0% 80% 32° 73% 2.6m/s 2.2m/s
19:00
995hPa 77% 0% 6% 81% 20° 77% 2.4m/s 2m/s
20:00
995hPa 68% 0% 13% 83% 8.6° 68% 2.2m/s 1.8m/s
21:00
995hPa 56% 0% 19% 88% -2.1° 56% 1.5m/s 1.5m/s
22:00
996hPa 34% 0% 20% 90% -12° 34% 1.4m/s 1.4m/s
23:00
996hPa 5% 0% 21% 90% -21° 5% 1.5m/s 1.5m/s
Mon, May 25 Sunrise 06:24 Sunset 20:52
24:00
995hPa 5% 0% 22% 90% -27° 5% 1.9m/s 1.8m/s
01:00
995hPa 5% 0% 17% 90% -31° 5% 2m/s 2m/s
02:00
995hPa 5% 0% 12% 91% -31° 7% 1.9m/s 1.9m/s
03:00
995hPa 5% 0% 7% 92% -28° 9% 1.9m/s 1.9m/s
04:00
994hPa 5% 0% 5% 93% -22° 14% 1.8m/s 1.8m/s
05:00
994hPa 3% 0% 2% 94% -15° 18% 1.6m/s 1.6m/s
06:00
994hPa 3% 0% 0% 95% -5° 16% 1.7m/s 1.6m/s
07:00
995hPa 0% 0% 0% 96% 5.7° 27% 1.9m/s 1.8m/s
08:00
995hPa 0% 0% 0% 93% 17° 32% 2.3m/s 1.8m/s
09:00
995hPa 0% 0% 0% 86% 29° 30% 2.1m/s 1.8m/s
10:00
995hPa 0% 0% 0% 82% 40° 34% 2.3m/s 2.2m/s
11:00
995hPa 0% 0% 0% 81% 52° 64% 2.6m/s 2.6m/s
12:00
995hPa 0% 0% 0% 84% 63° 61% 2.8m/s 2.7m/s
13:00
995hPa 0% 0% 2% 84% 71° 66% 3m/s 2.8m/s
14:00
995hPa 0% 0% 3% 83% 73° 63% 2.9m/s 2.7m/s
15:00
995hPa 0% 0% 5% 80% 66° 38% 2.8m/s 2.7m/s
16:00
994hPa 0% 0% 3% 77% 55° 36% 2.9m/s 2.8m/s
17:00
994hPa 3% 0% 2% 77% 44° 46% 2.9m/s 2.9m/s
18:00
994hPa 0% 0% 0% 77% 32° 44% 3m/s 3m/s
19:00
994hPa 0% 0% 7% 78% 20° 14% 2.8m/s 2.7m/s
20:00
994hPa 0% 0% 13% 82% 8.7° 2% 2.4m/s 2m/s
21:00
994hPa 0% 0% 20% 90% -2° 0% 1.8m/s 1.5m/s
22:00
995hPa 0% 0% 30% 92% -12° 2% 1.5m/s 1.4m/s
23:00
995hPa 0% 0% 40% 92% -20° 4% 1.5m/s 1.4m/s
Tue, May 26 Sunrise 06:24 Sunset 20:52
24:00
995hPa 1% 0% 50% 92% -27° 3% 1.6m/s 1.5m/s
01:00
994hPa 5% 0% 46% 92% -30° 5% 1.8m/s 1.7m/s
02:00
994hPa 13% 0% 43% 93% -31° 17% 1.8m/s 1.7m/s
03:00
993hPa 94% 0% 39% 94% -28° 94% 2.1m/s 1.8m/s
04:00
993hPa 94% 3% 45% 94% -22° 94% 2.4m/s 1.9m/s
05:00
992hPa 93% 19% 50% 95% -14° 93% 2.8m/s 1.9m/s
06:00
992hPa 100% 3% 56% 95% -4.8° 100% 3.3m/s 2.1m/s
07:00
992hPa 100% 3% 45% 96% 5.8° 100% 4.3m/s 2.3m/s
08:00
992hPa 67% 0% 33% 94% 17° 67% 5.7m/s 2.7m/s
09:00
992hPa 55% 3% 22% 91% 29° 56% 6.2m/s 3.2m/s
10:00
992hPa 60% 3% 36% 90% 40° 67% 6.7m/s 3.6m/s
11:00
991hPa 38% 5% 50% 89% 52° 62% 7.4m/s 3.9m/s
12:00
991hPa 92% 91% 64% 90% 63° 95% 7.6m/s 4.2m/s
13:00
991hPa 92% 37% 51% 88% 71° 92% 7.9m/s 4.6m/s
14:00
990hPa 100% 98% 38% 85% 73° 100% 8m/s 5m/s
15:00
989hPa 100% 7% 26% 84% 66° 100% 8.2m/s 5.2m/s
16:00
989hPa 100% 56% 38% 82% 55° 100% 8.5m/s 5.5m/s
17:00
988hPa 4% 82% 51% 83% 44° 82% 8.6m/s 5.7m/s
18:00
987hPa 0% 37% 64% 85% 32° 37% 9.1m/s 6.1m/s
19:00
996hPa 0% 42% 49% 85% 20° 44% 9.9m/s 6.9m/s
20:00
1004hPa 0% 47% 34% 84% 8.9° 52% 11m/s 7.7m/s
21:00
1012hPa 0% 52% 19% 84% -1.8° 59% 12m/s 8.5m/s
22:00
1012hPa 0% 34% 24% 82% -12° 39% 12m/s 9m/s
23:00
1012hPa 0% 17% 29% 80% -20° 20% 12m/s 9.6m/s
Wed, May 27 Sunrise 06:23 Sunset 20:53
24:00
1012hPa 0% 0% 34% 78% -27° 0% 12m/s 10m/s
01:00
1013hPa 0% 0% 56% 77% -30° 0% 12m/s 10m/s
02:00
1014hPa 0% 0% 78% 76% -31° 0% 12m/s 9.9m/s
03:00
1014hPa 0% 0% 100% 76% -28° 0% 12m/s 9.8m/s
04:00
1014hPa 1% 0% 100% 76% -22° 1% 12m/s 9.8m/s
05:00
1015hPa 2% 0% 100% 77% -14° 2% 12m/s 9.7m/s
06:00
1015hPa 2% 0% 100% 78% -4.7° 2% 12m/s 9.7m/s
07:00
1015hPa 2% 0% 70% 77% 5.9° 2% 11m/s 9.4m/s
08:00
1015hPa 1% 0% 41% 77% 17° 1% 11m/s 9.2m/s
09:00
1016hPa 0% 0% 11% 76% 29° 0% 10m/s 8.9m/s
10:00
1016hPa 2% 0% 15% 76% 41° 2% 10m/s 8.9m/s
11:00
1017hPa 3% 1% 19% 76% 52° 3% 10m/s 8.8m/s
12:00
1017hPa 5% 1% 22% 76% 63° 5% 10m/s 8.8m/s
How to read: these inputs help produce the derived score; they are not requirements by themselves.

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