Thanks: I use Netweather a great deal - but not got around to posting before.
Astronomers spend more time than most studying the weather. Unfortunately forecasting cloud cover is even more difficult than forecasting snow.
And yes - lots of affordable kit out there these days angled at the beginner - much more fun than Amusing yourself to Death watching the telly This isn't an astronomy forum, but the this weather does make the stars look amazing and worth the cold.