Luke Howard, namer of clouds

Abstract

Luke Howard (1772–1864), who was born 250 years ago this November, was an amateur meteorologist, whose lifelong fascination with skies and weather led him to devise the classification and nomenclature of clouds that remains in international use today. He was also a pioneer in the study of urban climate, his 40-year instrumental record of London's weather forming the heart of his landmark publication, The Climate of London (2 vols, 1818–1820), for which he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1821. This article offers an overview of his meteorological life and achievements.