On 10 Oct 2003 16:45:47 -0700, (john cop) wrote:

"Bob Gardner" wrote in message news:GwAhb.535167$cF.206989@rwcrnsc53...
Look at any text on the atmosphere and you will learn that temperature
decreases with altitude, cloud cover not withstanding (absent an inversion).
The sun does not heat clouds.

Look, I am no atmospheric expert, but the above is just a plain silly
statement (less charitable types might say stupid). What do you think
happens to all that energy? It ALL get reflected back into space?


Not all, but in general, clouds reflect much more light and energy
back into space. They insulate the lower levels, but prevent the
sun's heat from reaching the earth.

Cloudy nights tend to be warmer, but cloudy days tend to be cooler.
Transversely, clear nights are colder and clear days tend to be
warmer.

snip

Roger Halstead (K8RI EN73 & ARRL Life Member)
www.rogerhalstead.com
N833R World's oldest Debonair? (S# CD-2)