In 1803, London pharmacist and amateur meteorologist Luke Howard proposed a cloud classification system that would distinguish and group clouds according to their appearance and, when possible, their process of formation.

Speaking to the Askesian Society, Howard chose Latin terms because that was the universal language of science, ensuring his system could be understood internationally.

Howard is the reason we have cumulus (meaning "heap"), stratus ("layer"), cirrus ("curl") and many other cloud names. His system uses just four basic terms that can be combined — like "cumulonimbus" (heap-rain cloud) or "altocumulus" (high heaps) — to describe all cloud varieties.

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Since then, the system has been adopted by the World Meteorological Organization, with photos of cloud types published in an "International Cloud Atlas" that has been updated multiple times since its first edition in 1896.

Howard's system recognizes 10 main cloud types, which are further divided into species and varieties, resulting in over 100 different cloud classifications. There are other cloud classification systems too, such as the National Weather Service's cloud chart, which classifies clouds based on their usual altitudes — low clouds (surface to 6,500 feet), middle clouds (6,500 to 20,000 feet), and high clouds (20,000 to 45,000 feet).

It might seem tricky to learn all the cloud types, but once you do, it will help you to understand the sky in a whole new light and even predict weather changes hours in advance, since different cloud types signal specific atmospheric conditions.

Senior writer Chris DeWeese edits Morning Brief, The Weather Channel’s newsletter.