When sun dogs are present due to high cirrus clouds, they can actually be used as a forecast tool. Since high clouds up in the atmosphere move faster, the high clouds out ahead of a storm system can often be seen first before the lower clouds and precipitation arrive.

Does a Sundog mean a change in weather?

Probably the biggest difference between the two is that a rainbow usually signals an end to the rain, while a sundog often means that rain, or snow is on the way. Next time you see a sundog, look out for wet weather!

Do sun dogs mean cold weather?

According to the NWS, sundogs are also known as mock suns or parhelia, which means “with the sun.” This weather phenomenon generally appears in only extreme cold temperatures needed to form ice crystals, Sioux Falls National Weather Service meteorologist Peter Roger tells TIME.