The author, Gavin Pretor-Pinney, is the founder of the Cloud Appreciation Society, and aims to convert even the most sun-loving reader.

ECONOMIST: Meteorology

Perhaps most exciting of all are the rain (nimbo) clouds, suggests Pretor-Pinney.

BBC: Weather talk: Is there a way to make it interesting?

If all else fails, you can try and find symbols in the clouds, the subject of a new book edited by Pretor-Pinney - Clouds That Look Like Things.

BBC: Weather talk: Is there a way to make it interesting?