What's the use of a ceilometer in weather observations?

A ceilometer is a specialized instrument widely used in meteorology to measure the height of cloud bases and the vertical extent of cloud layers above the ground. This capability is important for various weather observations as it provides crucial information about cloud formations and can help in forecasting weather conditions.

In particular, understanding cloud height is vital for aviation safety, as pilots need to know how low the clouds are to ensure safe takeoff and landing operations. Moreover, knowing cloud heights helps meteorologists in assessing weather phenomena such as thunderstorms or fog, which can significantly impact local and regional weather patterns.

While other instruments are used for measuring barometric pressure, temperature, and wind speed, none of these fulfill the specific role that a ceilometer plays in determining cloud height and cloud base. This unique function is what differentiates it from other weather monitoring tools, making it an essential device in collecting atmospheric data.