Winds are normally light near high pressure systems where the isobars are widely spaced. However, because of a latitude effect, winds in middle latitudes are lighter than those in the tropics with similarly spaced isobars. The most destructive winds in Australia are generated by tropical cyclones. Features on the surface weather chart indicate likely rainfall patterns as well as temperature distribution and wind strength. While you can have cloud without rain, you cannot have rain without clouds.
Clouds form by the condensation of water vapour through cooling.
It may be initiated by warming of low level air, forced ascent over mountainous country, or dynamic causes associated with severe weather systems. Convection usually involves cumulus clouds, the most intense forms of which are often associated with severe thunderstorms and occasionally, tornadoes. Cumulonimbus, for instance, may reach altitudes above 15,000 metres. This occurs over large areas linked with large-scale weather systems such as low pressure systems, including tropical cyclones. In mid-latitudes this systematic ascent often occurs ahead of active fronts, or with 'cut off' lows.