Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => The Environment => Topic started by: Ng Jing Kiat on 19/01/2011 18:30:05

Title: Why are there usually more clouds in the evening?
Post by: Ng Jing Kiat on 19/01/2011 18:30:05

Ng Jing Kiat asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Hi there Naked Scientists I've got a question for you:

Why are there usually more clouds in the evening, where you can't see the sky clearly as compared to day?

Thanks! Keep up the good work.

What do you think?

Title: Why are there usually more clouds in the evening?
Post by: CliffordK on 19/01/2011 23:24:56

The water vapor capacity of air, or maximum humidity varies with temperature.

The hotter the air, the more moisture that it can hold.

As the temperature is reduced, it will drive the moisture out of the air in the form of dew, fog, or clouds. 

Thus, clouds may form in the evenings as temperatures fall, and fog can "burn off" by mid-morning.