atmaspheric | endeavors

I love this email exchange just forwarded my way from my Uncle, a self-proclaimed anal retentive word-wonk, perhaps even the most anal retentive word-wonk.

—– Original Message —–
From: Brian Greene
Date: Saturday, September 11, 2004 11:33 am
Subject: terminology

After wondering about this for years, I just read your page on weather terminology and am still somewhat confused. What, if any, is the difference between “partly cloudy” and “partly sunny”?

Thanks,
Brian Greene

—————————-

From: “W-Lmk Webmaster” Date: Tue, 14 Sep 2004 21:20:09 -0400
To: Brian Greene Subject: Re: terminology

They essentially are the same thing. We often use partly cloudy during the night and partly sunny during the day. However, the terms both mean 3/8 to 5/8 total cloud cover. Good question!

NWS Louisville

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From: Brian Greene
Date: Tue, 14 Sep 2004 21:38:41 -0400
To: W-Lmk Webmaster Subject: Re: terminology

Thank you very much for your response. Not to put too fine a point on it but I do think though, that this begs the question: If both terms have the same meaning, why not use just one term? I vote for "partly sunny" because whether it's 3/8 or 5/8, there are still more clouds than sun. Besides, "partly sunny" sounds more optimistic.

Thanks, again.
Brian Greene

One additional note from my email exchange requesting permission to post this:

I did realize, however, after I sent my response to their response, that it would make absolutely no sense to use the term, “partly sunny” at night!! Also, my math was inaccurate. If total cloud cover is 3/8, there are not “still more clouds than sun.” Still. I think it’s amusing for the National Weather Service to admit that the two terms mean the same thing. I also seem to recall both terms being used during the day, so…???!!!!????