Clouds - Can they be used to hunt thermals?

[aeajr]

Can clouds be used to identify likely areas of thermal activity?

Can they be used to identify areas to avoid?

[Dave Robelen]

Hi,
The bottom of a cumulus cloud is normally a high visual part of a thermal It is a rare model that could go high enough and be visible to use the clouds as a hunting ground.
Excellent clues near the altitude we fly can come from watching the soaring birds such as vultures. When they start circling with their wings extended, they are riding lift. It is well to note that except for a dead calm day, thermals drift with the wind. Experience with a given area can teach you to be sensitive to sudden wind shifts, both in direction and velocity.
Here in the east, it can be useful to toss the "fluffies" from cattails into the air and watch the currents. The same applies to using soap bubbles, they ar great visual aids in locating lift.
A thermal starts at ground level and grows steadily until it breaks loose from the surface and begins rising like a hot air balloon without the envelop. Most of the time we need to catch a ride while the thermal is still low enough to enter.
Cheers, Dave

[aeajr]

Dave,

Thanks for the tips