May 18th, 2026 Timelapse
On May 18th, the day began under a canopy of clouds that seemed to blanket the sky. The surface winds were gentle at an average of 4.8 mph, but things were slightly livelier at higher altitudes, where winds reached 7.7 mph at 100 meters. This difference in wind speed contributed to a notable degree of turbulence near the surface, as the higher winds pushed against the slower-moving air. Cloud cover was quite dense in the morning, averaging around 87.7%, with low clouds making up 23.5% and high clouds a significant 83.7%. The cool morning temperature hovered around 49.2°F, and while there was no precipitation, the thick cloud cover certainly gave the impression that rain could be imminent.
As the day progressed towards midday, the weather underwent a remarkable transformation. The surface winds picked up slightly to an average of 7.1 mph, and the winds aloft became even more assertive, increasing to 9.6 mph at 100 meters. This rise in wind speed at higher altitudes dramatically changed the cloud dynamics. By midday, cloud cover plummeted to just 12.2%, with most clouds retreating to the high altitudes, where only 1.8% remained visible. The stronger winds aloft swept the previously dense clouds away, resulting in a clear blue sky that was strikingly different from the earlier hours. The interaction of wind layers, particularly the 4.2 mph stronger winds at 100 meters compared to the surface, contributed to this rapid clearing and showcased how turbulence can influence cloud movements.
In the evening, conditions continued to evolve, bringing a mix of winds and clouds back into the sky. The surface winds further increased to an average of 10.7 mph, while winds at 100 meters escalated to 17.0 mph, creating a pronounced wind shear effect. Although cloud cover increased to 23.1% by evening, the low and mid-level clouds were nearly absent, with only a faint 0.6% of low clouds and a mere 0.1% of mid clouds. The high clouds, however, made a comeback, constituting 22.4% of the cloud cover, and their movement was noticeably swift due to the high-altitude winds. As the sun began to set, the layered clouds and changes in wind patterns created a visually engaging evening sky, marked by the interplay of swift-moving high clouds against a deepening twilight. Overall, May 18th showcased a fascinating evolution of weather, from a heavily clouded start to a vibrant afternoon and a gracefully layered evening.
May 18th, 2026 Timeline
Screenshots with weather data (wind layers, clouds, precipitation)
Weather Info for May 18th, 2026
Sunset: 8:41 PM