What is the approximate base of cumulus clouds at a temperature of 10C and a dew point of 1C at 2,000 feet MSL?

To determine the base of cumulus clouds, you can use the temperature and dew point information along with standard atmospheric characteristics. The lifting condensation level (LCL) can be estimated with the given temperature and dew point values.

In this case, you start with a temperature of 10°C and a dew point of 1°C. The difference between the temperature and dew point is 9°C. A rule of thumb for estimating the base of cumulus clouds is that for each degree Celsius of temperature difference between the air temperature and dew point, the cloud base is approximately 400 feet above ground level.

Using this information:

• The temperature is 10°C and the dew point is 1°C, so the temperature-dew point spread is 9°C.

• Multiplying this difference by the 400 feet per degree yields:

9°C * 400 feet/°C = 3,600 feet.

Adding this altitude to the starting altitude of 2,000 feet MSL gives:

2,000 feet + 3,600 feet = 5,600 feet MSL.

Given that you would round this to the nearest common altitude for cloud bases under standard conditions, it approximates to about 6,000 feet M