Clouds may look light and fluffy, but they are surprisingly heavy. A single cumulus cloud the large, puffy clouds you often see in the sky can weigh more than a million pounds. This is because clouds are made up of tiny water droplets or ice crystals that are suspended in the air. Even though the water droplets are very small, the sheer volume of water in a cloud adds up. The weight of the cloud depends on its size, and while it may appear to float effortlessly, the water droplets inside can accumulate to a heavy mass.

Why Clouds Stay in the Sky Despite Their Weight

Despite their massive weight, clouds are able to stay suspended in the sky due to the process of updrafts. Air currents push the water droplets or ice crystals upwards, counteracting the force of gravity. The water droplets in a cloud are so tiny and light that they are easily suspended in the air, creating the illusion of a floating mass. Additionally, the air surrounding the cloud has a lower density, which allows the cloud to remain suspended until the water droplets combine and fall to the ground as precipitation in the form of rain, snow, or hail. This balance of air pressure and the cloud’s structure keeps it aloft until it’s time to release its water. Shutdown123