Cloudscape: Example of Vertical Wind Shear

This time lapse shows low stratocumulus clouds moving south, high cirrus clouds moving north and mid-level atlocumulus clouds (middle of clip) moving east.

It is primarily the surface wind direction that determines whether the wind is backing or veering with height. A backing wind turns counterclockwise with height. A north wind at the surface and a westerly wind aloft is an example of a wind that is backing. A north wind generally brings in cooler air.