What is the approximate base of the cumulus clouds if the temperature at 2,000 feet MSL is 10 °C and the dewpoint is 1 °C?

To determine the approximate base of cumulus clouds, one can use the temperature and dew point data provided. The base of cumulus clouds can be calculated using the formula that estimates the height above the ground where the temperature reaches the dew point temperature, and therefore where condensation occurs.

In this case, the temperature at 2,000 feet MSL is 10 °C and the dew point is 1 °C. The difference between the temperature and the dew point is important — in this scenario, it is 10 °C - 1 °C = 9 °C. The rule of thumb is that for every 1 °C difference in temperature and dew point, the cloud base can be estimated to be approximately 1,000 feet above the elevation where the temperature is recorded.

Starting from the 2,000 feet reading, if there is a 9 °C difference, we multiply this difference by approximately 1,000 feet. This gives us an approximate increase of about 9,000 feet from the base temperature of 2,000 feet MSL. However, since this approach assumes a linear relationship and there's a common practice that establishes the base of cumulus clouds at around 1,000 feet per 3