Some time ago (about 13 years ago ?), I decided to run an occasional series called “Trivial fact for today”, it is very, very occasional so here is…

Trivial fact for today: No. 3: A cloud weighs around a million tonnes. Clouds may look light and fluffy, but those big white things floating overhead must have some weight to them, have you ever considered how much?

Well, the typical cloud has a volume of around 1km3 and a density of around 1.003kg per m3 which is about 0.4% lower than that of the air surrounding them, which is why they float. So by cranking through the maths, it is possible to work out that a typical cloud weighs around a million tonnes.

OK, so there are those out there who dispute the figures and suggest that it might only be 500 tonnes, but hey this is trivia, not exact science. So take your pick ~1,000,000 tonnes, 500 tonnes or as little as 250 tonnes, it depends on which cloud type you are talking about…

I hope you enjoyed this trivial fact, as it might take me another ten years to get a round to posting the next one… So in the meantime, I suggest that you visit my random quote page instead 😉

Just thought I should throw in a bonus time-lapse video of some clouds, just don’t ask me how heavy they are…