The visual identification of lightning-producing thunderstorm clouds

Lightning safety involves recognizing when a thunderstorm is ready to produce a flash, where is a safe location, and how long to stay there. While outdoors, visual recognition of lightning-bearing clouds is often possible. However, intervening clouds and distracting features may be present. This paper will identify cloud types that help identify the presence of lightning. A description of cloud formation will include the names and definitions of relevant cloud types, as well as examples using cumulus photographs from a variety of locations, climatic regions, and seasons. Additional discussion will focus on the existence of dark clouds that may or may not be lightning indicators. Most critical for lightning safety purposes is the common situation where only segments of the critical cloud segments that indicate lightning potential may be evident.