Dear Tom,
What is the difference between partly sunny and partly cloudy in the weather forecast? Which one gives us the most sunshine? David Mackin, Naperville, IL
Dear David,
It’s a great question-one of many that come in inquiring about weather forecast terminology. The fact is there is no difference between the terms “partly sunny” and “partly cloudy.” Neither favors more or less sunshine.
The National Weather Service’s Steve Kahn, based in Chicago for 36 years and for years a lead forecaster at the office, says he prefers partly sunny in daytime forecasts when he expects at least some sun. There have, however, been instances over the years when some weather dependent businesses have actually objected to the use of “partly cloudy” rather than “partly sunny.” They claimed that studies indicated that the number of car washes, for instance, dropped off when the word “cloudy” appeared anywhere in a forecast.
———-
Tom Skilling is chief meteorologist at WGN-TV. His weather forecasts can be seen Monday through Friday on WGN News at noon and 9 p.m.
Send your questions to:
ASK TOM WHY, 2501 Bradley Place, Chicago, Il. 60618
e-mail:asktomwhy@tribune.com
