Product guide

Peterson Field Guide to Weather

Peterson Field Guide to Weather is an illustrated guide to clouds, precipitation, storms, sky colors and climate patterns. Its nontechnical explanations and more than 400 photographs are aimed at readers who want to identify what they see in the sky and understand the processes behind it.

At a glance

Covers common and unusual clouds, precipitation, aurora, halos and rainbows alongside severe thunderstorms, blizzards and hurricanes.
More than 400 photographs illustrate visible weather, while diagrams are provided for more challenging physical concepts.
Explains the movement of energy and moisture through global and local landscapes in a nontechnical approach.
Includes a chapter on weather in the atmospheres of the planets and the sun.

Price

$22.78Save 24%

Reference price: ~~$30.00~~

Price checked: Nov 14, 2026

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Often bought together

National Geographic Pocket Guide to the Weather of North America

$12.11

Field Guide to the Weather: Learn to Identify Clouds and Storms, Forecast the Weather, and Stay Safe

$11.16

Pros and cons

Pros

Wide-ranging coverage connects recognizable sky features with larger weather processes.
Photographs and explanatory diagrams offer both visual reference and context.
The nontechnical approach is suited to curious readers who do not want a specialist-level presentation.

Technical specifications

7 specifications

Book details
Publisher	Mariner Books
Publication date	August 24, 2021
Language	English
Print length	552 pages
ISBN-13	978-0547133317

Dimensions and installation
Weight listed	1.5 pounds
Dimensions	4.5 x 1.21 x 7.25 inches

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Cloud watchers and readers curious about atmospheric phenomena.
People seeking an illustrated introduction to storms, precipitation and climate patterns.
Readers who want a broad reference covering both Earth weather and atmospheric phenomena beyond Earth.

Less suited to

Readers looking specifically for a current local forecast or an operational weather-safety manual.
Buyers who prefer a short, narrowly focused guide rather than a 552-page broad survey.

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.9 / 5 · 80 ratings

5 stars91%91%
4 stars7%7%
3 stars2%2%
2 stars0%0%
1 star0%0%

Customer feedback describes the guide as comprehensive and informative, including a report that it covers a wide range of atmospheric phenomena. The aggregate ratings are strongly positive, but they do not show which specific topics or presentation choices account for that response. For readers considering this 552-page, photo-rich survey, the feedback supports its perceived usefulness as a broad reference, not as a substitute for current forecasts or safety advice.

Positive themes

Customers describe the guide as informative.
Customer feedback characterizes the content as comprehensive.

Frequently asked questions

What weather topics does the guide cover?

The listing describes coverage of clouds, precipitation, storms, aurora, halos, rainbows, climate change and atmospheric weather on planets and the sun.

Is this written for beginners?

The description calls its approach nontechnical and says it is designed for people who want to observe and understand what they see in the sky.

Does it include visual material?

The listing states that the book contains more than 400 photographs and diagrams explaining more challenging physical concepts.

How extensive is the book?

The listed print length is 552 pages, so it is a substantial reference rather than a brief pocket guide.