Cloud Texture Score
Rates how visually interesting the clouds are - distinguishing dramatic formations from boring flat overcast. High scores indicate structured clouds with good light transmission.
What is Cloud Texture Score?
Technical detailsCloud Texture Score quantifies the visual interest and structure of cloud formations, distinguishing dramatic, textured clouds from flat, featureless overcast. The algorithm evaluates cloud cover at multiple altitudes, solar radiation transmission, atmospheric instability indicators (CAPE, lifted index, omega), and ice fraction to identify clouds with defined edges, varied patterns, and three-dimensional structure. High scores indicate photogenic clouds with texture and light transmission—ideal for adding visual interest to landscape photography.
Photography tip
How to use this conditionHigh scores (70+) indicate interesting cloud formations - convective development, ice crystals, or dramatic layer structure. Low scores indicate flat, boring overcast.
Cloud Texture Score in photography
In depthCloud Texture Score is PhotoWeather's Pro-tier metric for forecasting visually interesting, textured cloud formations, designed for landscape and travel photographers who want clouds that enhance their images rather than create dull, flat skies. Not all clouds are photogenic—flat stratus layers create boring gray overcast that adds no visual interest, whereas cumulus formations with defined edges, varied heights, and dramatic shapes transform an ordinary landscape into a compelling composition. The challenge is predicting when clouds will have structure and texture versus when they'll produce featureless gray.
PhotoWeather's algorithm analyzes cloud characteristics to forecast texture and visual interest. Cloud cover at low, mid, and high levels is examined to identify layered setups where clouds at different altitudes create depth and variation, rather than uniform overcast. Atmospheric instability indicators like CAPE (Convective Available Potential Energy), lifted index, and vertical motion (omega) predict convective cloud development—unstable conditions favor cumulus and cumulonimbus with vertical structure, defined edges, and three-dimensional forms, whereas stable conditions produce flat stratus. Ice fraction in mid-level clouds indicates cloud composition and structure—ice crystal clouds like cirrus have feathery textures, whereas water droplet clouds can be more uniform. Solar radiation transmission is analyzed to determine if clouds allow some light to pass through, creating contrast and illumination patterns that emphasize texture.
Scores above 75% indicate excellent cloud texture with structured formations, varied patterns, and good light interaction—clouds that will add drama and visual interest to landscape images. Photographers typically set thresholds of 70-75% to catch days when clouds will enhance compositions rather than create flat, lifeless skies. This derived field is essential for landscape photographers who understand that the right clouds can make or break an image, providing a forecast that distinguishes between photogenic cloud structure and mundane overcast.
Frequently asked questions
Common questionsWhat is Cloud Texture Score?
Cloud Texture Score quantifies the visual interest and structure of cloud formations, distinguishing dramatic, textured clouds from flat, featureless overcast. The algorithm evaluates cloud cover at multiple altitudes, solar radiation transmission, atmospheric instability indicators (CAPE, lifted index, omega), and ice fraction to identify clouds with defined edges, varied patterns, and three-dimensional structure. High scores indicate photogenic clouds with texture and light transmission—ideal for adding visual interest to landscape photography.
How does Cloud Texture Score affect photography?
High scores (70+) indicate interesting cloud formations - convective development, ice crystals, or dramatic layer structure. Low scores indicate flat, boring overcast.
What values are typical for Cloud Texture Score?
Cloud Texture Score typically ranges from 0.0% to 100.0%. PhotoWeather monitors these values to help you identify ideal conditions for your photography goals.
How is Cloud Texture Score calculated?
Cloud Texture Score is an advanced derived condition calculated from multiple weather parameters including Total Cloud Coverage, Low Clouds, Mid-Level Clouds, High Clouds, Solar Radiation. PhotoWeather's algorithms analyze these factors to provide a single, easy-to-understand score for this photography opportunity.
Typical values
Value rangeRelated fields
Similar weather conditionsAurora Quality
Combines aurora activity with viewing conditions (darkness, cloud cover, visibility) to provide photography-ready aurora quality scores. Aurora activity is OVATION-aware from the compute step.
Blue Hour Quality
Evaluates atmospheric conditions for blue hour photography quality. Scores sky clarity, cloud type suitability (high thin clouds ideal), visibility, and calm conditions.
Fiery Red Sky Potential
Atmospheric suitability for fiery red sky conditions across extended time window around sunrise/sunset periods. Enhanced with CAMS aerosol data (AOD, particle composition, Ångström exponent) and GFS upper-air humidity for improved color prediction.
Fog Probability
Multi-factor fog formation likelihood combining visibility, dewpoint spread, humidity, and time-of-day analysis
Golden Hour Potential
Atmospheric suitability for golden hour photography across extended time window around golden hour periods
Golden Clouds Potential
Cloud formation suitability for golden hour photography across extended time window around golden hour periods
Cloud Drama Score
Analysis of cloud formations and atmospheric conditions for dramatic sky photography
Storm Intensity
Storm intensity analysis combining precipitation, wind conditions, atmospheric pressure, visibility, GFS simulated radar reflectivity, and wind shear for enhanced storm organization detection.
Frost Probability
Frost formation probability combining temperature, dewpoint spread, cloud cover, and wind analysis
Rainbow Probability
Probability of visible rainbow formation based on solar geometry and precipitation patterns
Coastal Drama Score
Analysis of coastal conditions combining wave dynamics, atmospheric conditions, and lighting for dramatic seascape photography. Evaluates wave height, swell patterns, spray potential, and atmospheric drama factors.
Atmospheric Clarity Score
Comprehensive atmospheric clarity analysis for landscape and astrophotography using CAMS aerosol optical depth, particle composition (dust, smoke, sea salt), particle size distribution (Ångström exponent), and visibility conditions.
Light Breakthrough Potential
Likelihood of sun breaking through clouds creating dramatic rays and dappled light patterns. Best with partial cloud cover (40-70%) and some sunshine reaching the surface.
Soft Light Index
Quality of diffused light for portrait and product photography. High scores indicate soft, even lighting that minimizes harsh shadows - the 'giant softbox' effect.
Overcast Flatness
How flat and boring the overcast is. HIGH scores indicate uniform gray sky with no breaks or texture - generally unfavorable for most photography. LOW scores indicate breaks, texture, or clearing.
Low Clouds
Cloud coverage below 2km altitude
Mid-Level Clouds
Cloud coverage between 2-6km altitude
High Clouds
Cloud coverage above 6km altitude (cirrus)
CAPE
Convective Available Potential Energy
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