diff --git a/assets/shaders/celestial.frag.glsl b/assets/shaders/celestial.frag.glsl
index 1dee3a05..8ccd7eb7 100644
--- a/assets/shaders/celestial.frag.glsl
+++ b/assets/shaders/celestial.frag.glsl
@@ -26,9 +26,21 @@ float valueNoise(vec2 p) {
 void main() {
     vec2 uv = TexCoord - 0.5;
     float dist = length(uv);
-    float disc = smoothstep(0.42, 0.38, dist);
-    float glow = exp(-dist * dist * 12.0) * 0.6;
+
+    // Hard disc with smooth edge
+    float disc = smoothstep(0.42, 0.35, dist);
+
+    // Soft glow that fades to zero well within quad bounds
+    // At dist=0.5 (quad edge), this should be negligible
+    float glow = exp(-dist * dist * 18.0) * 0.5;
+
+    // Combine disc and glow
     float alpha = max(disc, glow) * push.intensity;
+
+    // Fade to zero at quad edges to prevent visible box
+    float edgeFade = 1.0 - smoothstep(0.4, 0.5, dist);
+    alpha *= edgeFade;
+
     vec3 color = push.celestialColor.rgb;
 
     // Animated haze/turbulence overlay for the sun disc
diff --git a/assets/shaders/celestial.frag.spv b/assets/shaders/celestial.frag.spv
index c7c84413..d5875791 100644
Binary files a/assets/shaders/celestial.frag.spv and b/assets/shaders/celestial.frag.spv differ
diff --git a/assets/shaders/clouds.frag.glsl b/assets/shaders/clouds.frag.glsl
index fec28507..1e443a2f 100644
--- a/assets/shaders/clouds.frag.glsl
+++ b/assets/shaders/clouds.frag.glsl
@@ -1,35 +1,42 @@
 #version 450
 
 layout(push_constant) uniform Push {
-    vec4 cloudColor;
-    float density;
-    float windOffset;
+    vec4 cloudColor;      // xyz = DBC-derived base cloud color, w = unused
+    vec4 sunDirDensity;   // xyz = sun direction, w = density
+    vec4 windAndLight;    // x = windOffset, y = sunIntensity, z = ambient, w = unused
 } push;
 
 layout(location = 0) in vec3 vWorldDir;
 
 layout(location = 0) out vec4 outColor;
 
-float hash(vec2 p) {
-    return fract(sin(dot(p, vec2(127.1, 311.7))) * 43758.5453);
+// --- Gradient noise (smoother than hash-based) ---
+vec2 hash2(vec2 p) {
+    p = vec2(dot(p, vec2(127.1, 311.7)),
+             dot(p, vec2(269.5, 183.3)));
+    return fract(sin(p) * 43758.5453);
 }
 
-float noise(vec2 p) {
+float gradientNoise(vec2 p) {
     vec2 i = floor(p);
     vec2 f = fract(p);
-    f = f * f * (3.0 - 2.0 * f);
-    float a = hash(i);
-    float b = hash(i + vec2(1.0, 0.0));
-    float c = hash(i + vec2(0.0, 1.0));
-    float d = hash(i + vec2(1.0, 1.0));
-    return mix(mix(a, b, f.x), mix(c, d, f.x), f.y);
+
+    // Quintic interpolation for smoother results
+    vec2 u = f * f * f * (f * (f * 6.0 - 15.0) + 10.0);
+
+    float a = dot(hash2(i + vec2(0.0, 0.0)) * 2.0 - 1.0, f - vec2(0.0, 0.0));
+    float b = dot(hash2(i + vec2(1.0, 0.0)) * 2.0 - 1.0, f - vec2(1.0, 0.0));
+    float c = dot(hash2(i + vec2(0.0, 1.0)) * 2.0 - 1.0, f - vec2(0.0, 1.0));
+    float d = dot(hash2(i + vec2(1.0, 1.0)) * 2.0 - 1.0, f - vec2(1.0, 1.0));
+
+    return mix(mix(a, b, u.x), mix(c, d, u.x), u.y) * 0.5 + 0.5;
 }
 
 float fbm(vec2 p) {
     float val = 0.0;
     float amp = 0.5;
-    for (int i = 0; i < 4; i++) {
-        val += amp * noise(p);
+    for (int i = 0; i < 6; i++) {
+        val += amp * gradientNoise(p);
         p *= 2.0;
         amp *= 0.5;
     }
@@ -38,26 +45,60 @@ float fbm(vec2 p) {
 
 void main() {
     vec3 dir = normalize(vWorldDir);
-    float altitude = dir.z;   // Z is up in the Z-up world coordinate system
+    float altitude = dir.z;
     if (altitude < 0.0) discard;
 
-    vec2 uv = dir.xy / (altitude + 0.001);  // XY is the horizontal plane
-    uv += push.windOffset;
+    vec3 sunDir = push.sunDirDensity.xyz;
+    float density = push.sunDirDensity.w;
+    float windOffset = push.windAndLight.x;
+    float sunIntensity = push.windAndLight.y;
+    float ambient = push.windAndLight.z;
 
+    vec2 uv = dir.xy / (altitude + 0.001);
+    uv += windOffset;
+
+    // --- 6-octave FBM for cloud shape ---
     float cloud1 = fbm(uv * 0.8);
     float cloud2 = fbm(uv * 1.6 + 5.0);
     float cloud = cloud1 * 0.7 + cloud2 * 0.3;
-    cloud = smoothstep(0.35, 0.65, cloud) * push.density;
 
-    float edgeBreak = noise(uv * 4.0);
-    cloud *= smoothstep(0.2, 0.5, edgeBreak);
+    // Coverage control: base coverage with detail erosion
+    float baseCoverage = smoothstep(0.30, 0.55, cloud);
+    float detailErosion = gradientNoise(uv * 4.0);
+    cloud = baseCoverage * smoothstep(0.2, 0.5, detailErosion);
+    cloud *= density;
 
+    // Horizon fade
     float horizonFade = smoothstep(0.0, 0.15, altitude);
     cloud *= horizonFade;
 
+    if (cloud < 0.01) discard;
+
+    // --- Sun lighting on clouds ---
+    // Sun dot product for view-relative brightness
+    float sunDot = max(dot(vec3(0.0, 0.0, 1.0), sunDir), 0.0);
+
+    // Self-shadowing: sample noise offset toward sun direction, darken if occluded
+    float lightSample = fbm((uv + sunDir.xy * 0.05) * 0.8);
+    float shadow = smoothstep(0.3, 0.7, lightSample);
+
+    // Base lit color: mix dark (shadow) and bright (sunlit) based on shadow and sun
+    vec3 baseColor = push.cloudColor.rgb;
+    vec3 shadowColor = baseColor * (ambient * 0.8);
+    vec3 litColor = baseColor * (ambient + sunIntensity * 0.6);
+    vec3 cloudRgb = mix(shadowColor, litColor, shadow * sunDot);
+
+    // Add ambient fill so clouds aren't too dark
+    cloudRgb = mix(baseColor * ambient, cloudRgb, 0.7 + 0.3 * sunIntensity);
+
+    // --- Silver lining effect at cloud edges ---
+    float edgeLight = smoothstep(0.0, 0.3, cloud) * (1.0 - smoothstep(0.3, 0.8, cloud));
+    cloudRgb += vec3(1.0, 0.95, 0.9) * edgeLight * sunDot * sunIntensity * 0.4;
+
+    // --- Edge softness for alpha ---
     float edgeSoftness = smoothstep(0.0, 0.3, cloud);
     float alpha = cloud * edgeSoftness;
 
     if (alpha < 0.01) discard;
-    outColor = vec4(push.cloudColor.rgb, alpha);
+    outColor = vec4(cloudRgb, alpha);
 }
diff --git a/assets/shaders/clouds.frag.spv b/assets/shaders/clouds.frag.spv
index 7d09eb46..70b318db 100644
Binary files a/assets/shaders/clouds.frag.spv and b/assets/shaders/clouds.frag.spv differ
diff --git a/assets/shaders/skybox.frag.glsl b/assets/shaders/skybox.frag.glsl
index b2054e15..3c4709ee 100644
--- a/assets/shaders/skybox.frag.glsl
+++ b/assets/shaders/skybox.frag.glsl
@@ -14,9 +14,11 @@ layout(set = 0, binding = 0) uniform PerFrame {
 };
 
 layout(push_constant) uniform Push {
-    vec4 horizonColor;
-    vec4 zenithColor;
-    float timeOfDay;
+    vec4 zenithColor;     // DBC skyTopColor
+    vec4 midColor;        // DBC skyMiddleColor
+    vec4 horizonColor;    // DBC skyBand1Color
+    vec4 fogColorPush;    // DBC skyBand2Color
+    vec4 sunDirAndTime;   // xyz = sun direction, w = timeOfDay
 } push;
 
 layout(location = 0) in vec2 TexCoord;
@@ -25,27 +27,71 @@ layout(location = 0) out vec4 outColor;
 
 void main() {
     // Reconstruct world-space ray direction from screen position.
-    // TexCoord is [0,1]^2; convert to NDC [-1,1]^2.
     float ndcX =  TexCoord.x * 2.0 - 1.0;
-    float ndcY = -(TexCoord.y * 2.0 - 1.0);  // flip Y: Vulkan NDC Y-down, but projection already flipped
+    float ndcY = -(TexCoord.y * 2.0 - 1.0);
 
-    // Unproject to view space using focal lengths from projection matrix.
-    // projection[0][0] = 2*near/(right-left) = 1/tan(fovX/2)
-    // projection[1][1] = 2*near/(top-bottom)  (already negated for Vulkan Y-flip)
-    // We want the original magnitude, so take abs to get the focal length.
     vec3 viewDir = vec3(ndcX / projection[0][0],
                         ndcY / abs(projection[1][1]),
                         -1.0);
 
-    // Rotate to world space: view = R*T, so R^-1 = R^T = transpose(mat3(view))
     mat3 invViewRot = transpose(mat3(view));
     vec3 worldDir = normalize(invViewRot * viewDir);
 
-    // worldDir.z = sin(elevation); +1 = zenith, 0 = horizon, -1 = nadir
-    float t = clamp(worldDir.z, 0.0, 1.0);
-    t = pow(t, 1.5);
-    vec3 sky = mix(push.horizonColor.rgb, push.zenithColor.rgb, t);
-    float scatter = max(0.0, 1.0 - t * 2.0) * 0.15;
-    sky += vec3(scatter * 0.8, scatter * 0.4, scatter * 0.1);
+    vec3 sunDir = push.sunDirAndTime.xyz;
+    float timeOfDay = push.sunDirAndTime.w;
+
+    // Elevation: +1 = zenith, 0 = horizon, -1 = nadir
+    float elev = worldDir.z;
+    float elevClamped = clamp(elev, 0.0, 1.0);
+
+    // --- 3-band sky gradient using DBC colors ---
+    // Zenith dominates upper sky, mid color fills the middle,
+    // horizon band at the bottom with a thin fog fringe.
+    vec3 sky;
+    if (elevClamped > 0.4) {
+        // Upper sky: mid -> zenith
+        float t = (elevClamped - 0.4) / 0.6;
+        sky = mix(push.midColor.rgb, push.zenithColor.rgb, t);
+    } else if (elevClamped > 0.05) {
+        // Lower sky: horizon -> mid (wide band)
+        float t = (elevClamped - 0.05) / 0.35;
+        sky = mix(push.horizonColor.rgb, push.midColor.rgb, t);
+    } else {
+        // Thin fog fringe right at horizon
+        float t = elevClamped / 0.05;
+        sky = mix(push.fogColorPush.rgb, push.horizonColor.rgb, t);
+    }
+
+    // --- Below-horizon darkening (nadir) ---
+    if (elev < 0.0) {
+        float nadirFade = clamp(-elev * 3.0, 0.0, 1.0);
+        vec3 nadirColor = push.fogColorPush.rgb * 0.3;
+        sky = mix(push.fogColorPush.rgb, nadirColor, nadirFade);
+    }
+
+    // --- Rayleigh-like scattering (subtle warm glow near sun) ---
+    float sunDot = max(dot(worldDir, sunDir), 0.0);
+    float sunAboveHorizon = clamp(sunDir.z, 0.0, 1.0);
+
+    float rayleighStrength = pow(1.0 - elevClamped, 3.0) * 0.15;
+    vec3 scatterColor = mix(vec3(0.8, 0.45, 0.15), vec3(0.3, 0.5, 1.0), elevClamped);
+    sky += scatterColor * rayleighStrength * sunDot * sunAboveHorizon;
+
+    // --- Mie-like forward scatter (sun disk glow) ---
+    float mieSharp = pow(sunDot, 64.0) * 0.4;
+    float mieSoft  = pow(sunDot, 8.0) * 0.1;
+    vec3 sunGlowColor = mix(vec3(1.0, 0.85, 0.55), vec3(1.0, 1.0, 0.95), elevClamped);
+    sky += sunGlowColor * (mieSharp + mieSoft) * sunAboveHorizon;
+
+    // --- Subtle horizon haze ---
+    float hazeDensity = exp(-elevClamped * 12.0) * 0.06;
+    sky += push.horizonColor.rgb * hazeDensity * sunAboveHorizon;
+
+    // --- Night: slight moonlight tint ---
+    if (sunDir.z < 0.0) {
+        float moonlight = clamp(-sunDir.z * 0.5, 0.0, 0.15);
+        sky += vec3(0.02, 0.03, 0.08) * moonlight;
+    }
+
     outColor = vec4(sky, 1.0);
 }
diff --git a/assets/shaders/skybox.frag.spv b/assets/shaders/skybox.frag.spv
index 555b6c96..29865049 100644
Binary files a/assets/shaders/skybox.frag.spv and b/assets/shaders/skybox.frag.spv differ
diff --git a/include/rendering/clouds.hpp b/include/rendering/clouds.hpp
index fb8008ba..800b5c0f 100644
--- a/include/rendering/clouds.hpp
+++ b/include/rendering/clouds.hpp
@@ -9,45 +9,37 @@ namespace wowee {
 namespace rendering {
 
 class VkContext;
+struct SkyParams;
 
 /**
  * Procedural cloud renderer (Vulkan)
  *
  * Renders animated procedural clouds on a sky hemisphere using FBM noise.
- * Two noise layers at different frequencies produce realistic cloud shapes.
+ * Sun-lit edges, self-shadowing, and DBC-driven cloud colors for realistic appearance.
  *
  * Pipeline layout:
  *   set 0 = perFrameLayout  (camera UBO — view, projection, etc.)
- *   push  = CloudPush       (vec4 cloudColor + float density + float windOffset = 24 bytes)
- *
- * The vertex shader reads view/projection from set 0 directly; no per-object
- * model matrix is needed (clouds are locked to the sky dome).
+ *   push  = CloudPush       (3 x vec4 = 48 bytes)
  */
 class Clouds {
 public:
     Clouds();
     ~Clouds();
 
-    /**
-     * Initialize the cloud system.
-     * @param ctx            Vulkan context
-     * @param perFrameLayout Descriptor set layout for set 0 (camera UBO)
-     */
     bool initialize(VkContext* ctx, VkDescriptorSetLayout perFrameLayout);
     void shutdown();
     void recreatePipelines();
 
     /**
-     * Render clouds.
+     * Render clouds using DBC-driven colors and sun lighting.
      * @param cmd         Command buffer to record into
      * @param perFrameSet Per-frame descriptor set (set 0, camera UBO)
-     * @param timeOfDay   Time of day in hours (0-24)
+     * @param params      Sky parameters with DBC colors and sun direction
      */
-    void render(VkCommandBuffer cmd, VkDescriptorSet perFrameSet, float timeOfDay);
+    void render(VkCommandBuffer cmd, VkDescriptorSet perFrameSet, const SkyParams& params);
 
     /**
      * Update cloud animation (wind drift).
-     * @param deltaTime Seconds since last frame
      */
     void update(float deltaTime);
 
@@ -56,7 +48,6 @@ public:
     bool isEnabled() const { return enabled_; }
 
     // --- Cloud parameters ---
-    /** Cloud coverage, 0 = clear, 1 = overcast. */
     void setDensity(float density);
     float getDensity() const { return density_; }
 
@@ -66,19 +57,16 @@ public:
 private:
     // Push constant block — must match clouds.frag.glsl
     struct CloudPush {
-        glm::vec4 cloudColor; // 16 bytes (xyz = colour, w unused)
-        float     density;    //  4 bytes
-        float     windOffset; //  4 bytes
-        // total = 24 bytes
+        glm::vec4 cloudColor;     // xyz = DBC-derived base cloud color, w = unused
+        glm::vec4 sunDirDensity;  // xyz = sun direction, w = density
+        glm::vec4 windAndLight;   // x = windOffset, y = sunIntensity, z = ambient, w = unused
     };
-    static_assert(sizeof(CloudPush) == 24, "CloudPush size mismatch");
+    static_assert(sizeof(CloudPush) == 48, "CloudPush size mismatch");
 
     void generateMesh();
     void createBuffers();
     void destroyBuffers();
 
-    glm::vec3 getCloudColor(float timeOfDay) const;
-
     // Vulkan objects
     VkContext*       vkCtx_          = nullptr;
     VkPipeline       pipeline_       = VK_NULL_HANDLE;
@@ -95,14 +83,14 @@ private:
 
     // Cloud parameters
     bool  enabled_    = true;
-    float density_    = 0.5f;
+    float density_    = 0.35f;
     float windSpeed_  = 1.0f;
-    float windOffset_ = 0.0f; // Accumulated wind movement
+    float windOffset_ = 0.0f;
 
     // Mesh generation parameters
     static constexpr int   SEGMENTS = 32;
     static constexpr int   RINGS    = 8;
-    static constexpr float RADIUS   = 900.0f; // Slightly smaller than skybox
+    static constexpr float RADIUS   = 900.0f;
 };
 
 } // namespace rendering
diff --git a/include/rendering/lens_flare.hpp b/include/rendering/lens_flare.hpp
index 1578dd76..f4dac6fd 100644
--- a/include/rendering/lens_flare.hpp
+++ b/include/rendering/lens_flare.hpp
@@ -47,8 +47,13 @@ public:
      * @param camera The camera to render from
      * @param sunPosition World-space sun position
      * @param timeOfDay Current time (0-24 hours)
+     * @param fogDensity Fog density 0-1 (attenuates flare)
+     * @param cloudDensity Cloud density 0-1 (attenuates flare)
+     * @param weatherIntensity Weather intensity 0-1 (rain/snow attenuates flare)
      */
-    void render(VkCommandBuffer cmd, const Camera& camera, const glm::vec3& sunPosition, float timeOfDay);
+    void render(VkCommandBuffer cmd, const Camera& camera, const glm::vec3& sunPosition,
+                float timeOfDay, float fogDensity = 0.0f, float cloudDensity = 0.0f,
+                float weatherIntensity = 0.0f);
 
     /**
      * @brief Enable or disable lens flare rendering
diff --git a/include/rendering/lighting_manager.hpp b/include/rendering/lighting_manager.hpp
index f6b23627..11c079a5 100644
--- a/include/rendering/lighting_manager.hpp
+++ b/include/rendering/lighting_manager.hpp
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ struct LightingParams {
     glm::vec3 skyBand1Color{0.9f, 0.95f, 1.0f};    // Sky band 1
     glm::vec3 skyBand2Color{1.0f, 0.98f, 0.9f};    // Sky band 2
 
-    float cloudDensity = 1.0f;                      // Cloud density/opacity
+    float cloudDensity = 0.3f;                      // Cloud density/opacity
     float horizonGlow = 0.3f;                       // Horizon glow intensity
 };
 
diff --git a/include/rendering/sky_system.hpp b/include/rendering/sky_system.hpp
index 740e3870..6b3d9c47 100644
--- a/include/rendering/sky_system.hpp
+++ b/include/rendering/sky_system.hpp
@@ -31,9 +31,10 @@ struct SkyParams {
     glm::vec3 skyBand2Color{1.0f, 0.98f, 0.9f};
 
     // Atmospheric effects
-    float cloudDensity = 0.0f;  // 0-1
-    float fogDensity = 0.0f;    // 0-1
-    float horizonGlow = 0.3f;   // 0-1
+    float cloudDensity = 0.0f;      // 0-1
+    float fogDensity = 0.0f;        // 0-1
+    float horizonGlow = 0.3f;       // 0-1
+    float weatherIntensity = 0.0f;  // 0-1 (rain/snow intensity, attenuates lens flare)
 
     // Time
     float timeOfDay = 12.0f;    // 0-24 hours
diff --git a/include/rendering/skybox.hpp b/include/rendering/skybox.hpp
index 5e20c28c..51e098cd 100644
--- a/include/rendering/skybox.hpp
+++ b/include/rendering/skybox.hpp
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ namespace wowee {
 namespace rendering {
 
 class VkContext;
+struct SkyParams;
 
 /**
  * Skybox renderer
@@ -16,6 +17,9 @@ class VkContext;
  * Renders an atmospheric sky gradient using a fullscreen triangle.
  * No vertex buffer: 3 vertices cover the entire screen via gl_VertexIndex.
  * World-space ray direction is reconstructed from the inverse view+projection.
+ *
+ * Sky colors are driven by DBC data (Light.dbc / LightIntBand.dbc) via SkyParams,
+ * with Rayleigh/Mie atmospheric scattering for realistic appearance.
  */
 class Skybox {
 public:
@@ -27,12 +31,12 @@ public:
     void recreatePipelines();
 
     /**
-     * Render the skybox
+     * Render the skybox using DBC-driven sky colors.
      * @param cmd Command buffer to record into
      * @param perFrameSet Per-frame descriptor set (set 0, contains camera UBO)
-     * @param timeOfDay Time of day in hours (0-24), affects sky color
+     * @param params Sky parameters with DBC colors and sun direction
      */
-    void render(VkCommandBuffer cmd, VkDescriptorSet perFrameSet, float timeOfDay = 12.0f);
+    void render(VkCommandBuffer cmd, VkDescriptorSet perFrameSet, const SkyParams& params);
 
     /**
      * Enable/disable skybox rendering
@@ -58,15 +62,7 @@ public:
      */
     void update(float deltaTime);
 
-    /**
-     * Get horizon color for fog (public for fog system)
-     */
-    glm::vec3 getHorizonColor(float time) const;
-
 private:
-    glm::vec3 getSkyColor(float altitude, float time) const;
-    glm::vec3 getZenithColor(float time) const;
-
     VkContext* vkCtx = nullptr;
 
     VkPipeline pipeline = VK_NULL_HANDLE;
diff --git a/include/rendering/weather.hpp b/include/rendering/weather.hpp
index a971e02c..b92c963d 100644
--- a/include/rendering/weather.hpp
+++ b/include/rendering/weather.hpp
@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@
 #include <vk_mem_alloc.h>
 #include <glm/glm.hpp>
 #include <vector>
+#include <unordered_map>
 
 namespace wowee {
 namespace rendering {
@@ -79,6 +80,35 @@ public:
      */
     int getParticleCount() const;
 
+    /**
+     * @brief Zone weather configuration
+     * Provides default weather per zone for single-player mode.
+     * When connected to a server, SMSG_WEATHER overrides these.
+     */
+    struct ZoneWeather {
+        Type type = Type::NONE;
+        float minIntensity = 0.0f;     // Min intensity (varies over time)
+        float maxIntensity = 0.0f;     // Max intensity
+        float probability = 0.0f;      // Chance of weather being active (0-1)
+    };
+
+    /**
+     * @brief Set weather for a zone (used for zone-based weather configuration)
+     */
+    void setZoneWeather(uint32_t zoneId, Type type, float minIntensity, float maxIntensity, float probability);
+
+    /**
+     * @brief Update weather based on current zone (single-player mode)
+     * @param zoneId Current zone ID
+     * @param deltaTime Time since last frame
+     */
+    void updateZoneWeather(uint32_t zoneId, float deltaTime);
+
+    /**
+     * @brief Initialize default zone weather table
+     */
+    void initializeZoneWeatherDefaults();
+
     /**
      * @brief Clean up Vulkan resources
      */
@@ -120,6 +150,15 @@ private:
     static constexpr int MAX_PARTICLES = 2000;
     static constexpr float SPAWN_VOLUME_SIZE = 100.0f;  // Size of spawn area around camera
     static constexpr float SPAWN_HEIGHT = 80.0f;        // Height above camera to spawn
+
+    // Zone-based weather
+    std::unordered_map<uint32_t, ZoneWeather> zoneWeatherTable_;
+    uint32_t currentWeatherZone_ = 0;
+    float zoneWeatherTimer_ = 0.0f;         // Time accumulator for weather cycling
+    float zoneWeatherCycleDuration_ = 0.0f;  // Current cycle length
+    bool zoneWeatherActive_ = false;         // Is zone weather currently active?
+    float targetIntensity_ = 0.0f;           // Target intensity for smooth transitions
+    bool zoneWeatherInitialized_ = false;
 };
 
 } // namespace rendering
diff --git a/src/rendering/clouds.cpp b/src/rendering/clouds.cpp
index 22dcf342..eb2a5a25 100644
--- a/src/rendering/clouds.cpp
+++ b/src/rendering/clouds.cpp
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 #include "rendering/clouds.hpp"
+#include "rendering/sky_system.hpp"
 #include "rendering/vk_context.hpp"
 #include "rendering/vk_shader.hpp"
 #include "rendering/vk_pipeline.hpp"
@@ -40,11 +41,11 @@ bool Clouds::initialize(VkContext* ctx, VkDescriptorSetLayout perFrameLayout) {
     VkPipelineShaderStageCreateInfo fragStage = fragModule.stageInfo(VK_SHADER_STAGE_FRAGMENT_BIT);
 
     // ------------------------------------------------------------------ push constants
-    // Fragment-only push: vec4 cloudColor + float density + float windOffset = 24 bytes
+    // Fragment-only push: 3 x vec4 = 48 bytes
     VkPushConstantRange pushRange{};
     pushRange.stageFlags = VK_SHADER_STAGE_FRAGMENT_BIT;
     pushRange.offset     = 0;
-    pushRange.size       = sizeof(CloudPush); // 24 bytes
+    pushRange.size       = sizeof(CloudPush); // 48 bytes
 
     // ------------------------------------------------------------------ pipeline layout
     pipelineLayout_ = createPipelineLayout(device, {perFrameLayout}, {pushRange});
@@ -54,10 +55,9 @@ bool Clouds::initialize(VkContext* ctx, VkDescriptorSetLayout perFrameLayout) {
     }
 
     // ------------------------------------------------------------------ vertex input
-    // Vertex: vec3 pos only, stride = 12 bytes
     VkVertexInputBindingDescription binding{};
     binding.binding   = 0;
-    binding.stride    = sizeof(glm::vec3); // 12 bytes
+    binding.stride    = sizeof(glm::vec3);
     binding.inputRate = VK_VERTEX_INPUT_RATE_VERTEX;
 
     VkVertexInputAttributeDescription posAttr{};
@@ -77,7 +77,7 @@ bool Clouds::initialize(VkContext* ctx, VkDescriptorSetLayout perFrameLayout) {
         .setVertexInput({binding}, {posAttr})
         .setTopology(VK_PRIMITIVE_TOPOLOGY_TRIANGLE_LIST)
         .setRasterization(VK_POLYGON_MODE_FILL, VK_CULL_MODE_NONE)
-        .setDepthTest(true, false, VK_COMPARE_OP_LESS_OR_EQUAL) // test on, write off (sky layer)
+        .setDepthTest(true, false, VK_COMPARE_OP_LESS_OR_EQUAL)
         .setColorBlendAttachment(PipelineBuilder::blendAlpha())
         .setMultisample(vkCtx_->getMsaaSamples())
         .setLayout(pipelineLayout_)
@@ -122,7 +122,6 @@ void Clouds::recreatePipelines() {
     VkPipelineShaderStageCreateInfo vertStage = vertModule.stageInfo(VK_SHADER_STAGE_VERTEX_BIT);
     VkPipelineShaderStageCreateInfo fragStage = fragModule.stageInfo(VK_SHADER_STAGE_FRAGMENT_BIT);
 
-    // Vertex input (same as initialize)
     VkVertexInputBindingDescription binding{};
     binding.binding   = 0;
     binding.stride    = sizeof(glm::vec3);
@@ -182,25 +181,35 @@ void Clouds::shutdown() {
 // Render
 // ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-void Clouds::render(VkCommandBuffer cmd, VkDescriptorSet perFrameSet, float timeOfDay) {
+void Clouds::render(VkCommandBuffer cmd, VkDescriptorSet perFrameSet, const SkyParams& params) {
     if (!enabled_ || pipeline_ == VK_NULL_HANDLE) {
         return;
     }
 
-    glm::vec3 color = getCloudColor(timeOfDay);
+    // Derive cloud base color from DBC horizon band, slightly brightened
+    glm::vec3 cloudBaseColor = params.skyBand1Color * 1.1f;
+    cloudBaseColor = glm::clamp(cloudBaseColor, glm::vec3(0.0f), glm::vec3(1.0f));
+
+    // Sun direction (opposite of light direction)
+    glm::vec3 sunDir = -glm::normalize(params.directionalDir);
+    float sunAboveHorizon = glm::clamp(sunDir.z, 0.0f, 1.0f);
+
+    // Sun intensity based on elevation
+    float sunIntensity = sunAboveHorizon;
+
+    // Ambient light — brighter during day, dimmer at night
+    float ambient = glm::mix(0.3f, 0.7f, sunAboveHorizon);
 
     CloudPush push{};
-    push.cloudColor  = glm::vec4(color, 1.0f);
-    push.density     = density_;
-    push.windOffset  = windOffset_;
+    push.cloudColor    = glm::vec4(cloudBaseColor, 1.0f);
+    push.sunDirDensity = glm::vec4(sunDir, density_);
+    push.windAndLight  = glm::vec4(windOffset_, sunIntensity, ambient, 0.0f);
 
     vkCmdBindPipeline(cmd, VK_PIPELINE_BIND_POINT_GRAPHICS, pipeline_);
 
-    // Bind per-frame UBO (set 0 — vertex shader reads view/projection from here)
     vkCmdBindDescriptorSets(cmd, VK_PIPELINE_BIND_POINT_GRAPHICS, pipelineLayout_,
         0, 1, &perFrameSet, 0, nullptr);
 
-    // Push cloud params to fragment shader
     vkCmdPushConstants(cmd, pipelineLayout_,
         VK_SHADER_STAGE_FRAGMENT_BIT,
         0, sizeof(push), &push);
@@ -223,29 +232,6 @@ void Clouds::update(float deltaTime) {
     windOffset_ += deltaTime * windSpeed_ * 0.05f; // Slow drift
 }
 
-// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
-// Cloud colour (unchanged logic from GL version)
-// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
-glm::vec3 Clouds::getCloudColor(float timeOfDay) const {
-    glm::vec3 dayColor(0.95f, 0.95f, 1.0f);
-
-    if (timeOfDay >= 5.0f && timeOfDay < 7.0f) {
-        // Dawn — orange tint fading to day
-        float t = (timeOfDay - 5.0f) / 2.0f;
-        return glm::mix(glm::vec3(1.0f, 0.7f, 0.5f), dayColor, t);
-    } else if (timeOfDay >= 17.0f && timeOfDay < 19.0f) {
-        // Dusk — day fading to orange/pink
-        float t = (timeOfDay - 17.0f) / 2.0f;
-        return glm::mix(dayColor, glm::vec3(1.0f, 0.6f, 0.4f), t);
-    } else if (timeOfDay >= 20.0f || timeOfDay < 5.0f) {
-        // Night — dark blue-grey
-        return glm::vec3(0.15f, 0.15f, 0.25f);
-    }
-
-    return dayColor;
-}
-
 // ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 // Density setter
 // ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -265,7 +251,7 @@ void Clouds::generateMesh() {
     // Upper hemisphere — Z-up world: altitude goes into Z, horizontal spread in X/Y
     for (int ring = 0; ring <= RINGS; ++ring) {
         float phi        = (ring / static_cast<float>(RINGS)) * (static_cast<float>(M_PI) * 0.5f);
-        float altZ       = RADIUS * std::cos(phi);   // altitude → world Z (up)
+        float altZ       = RADIUS * std::cos(phi);
         float ringRadius = RADIUS * std::sin(phi);
 
         for (int seg = 0; seg <= SEGMENTS; ++seg) {
diff --git a/src/rendering/lens_flare.cpp b/src/rendering/lens_flare.cpp
index 07b3b3fd..820641af 100644
--- a/src/rendering/lens_flare.cpp
+++ b/src/rendering/lens_flare.cpp
@@ -211,28 +211,27 @@ void LensFlare::generateFlareElements() {
     flareElements.push_back({0.0f, 0.3f, glm::vec3(1.0f, 0.95f, 0.8f), 0.8f});
 
     // Flare ghosts along sun-to-center axis
-    // These appear at various positions between sun and opposite side
 
     // Bright white ghost near sun
     flareElements.push_back({0.2f, 0.08f, glm::vec3(1.0f, 1.0f, 1.0f), 0.5f});
 
     // Blue-tinted ghost
-    flareElements.push_back({0.4f, 0.15f, glm::vec3(0.3f, 0.5f, 1.0f), 0.4f});
+    flareElements.push_back({0.4f, 0.15f, glm::vec3(0.4f, 0.55f, 0.9f), 0.35f});
 
     // Small bright spot
-    flareElements.push_back({0.6f, 0.05f, glm::vec3(1.0f, 0.8f, 0.6f), 0.6f});
+    flareElements.push_back({0.6f, 0.05f, glm::vec3(1.0f, 0.8f, 0.6f), 0.5f});
 
-    // Green-tinted ghost (chromatic aberration)
-    flareElements.push_back({0.8f, 0.12f, glm::vec3(0.4f, 1.0f, 0.5f), 0.3f});
+    // Warm amber ghost (replaced oversaturated green)
+    flareElements.push_back({0.8f, 0.10f, glm::vec3(0.9f, 0.75f, 0.5f), 0.2f});
 
     // Large halo on opposite side
-    flareElements.push_back({-0.5f, 0.25f, glm::vec3(1.0f, 0.7f, 0.4f), 0.2f});
+    flareElements.push_back({-0.5f, 0.22f, glm::vec3(1.0f, 0.8f, 0.5f), 0.15f});
 
-    // Purple ghost far from sun
-    flareElements.push_back({-0.8f, 0.1f, glm::vec3(0.8f, 0.4f, 1.0f), 0.25f});
+    // Faint blue ghost far from sun
+    flareElements.push_back({-0.8f, 0.08f, glm::vec3(0.6f, 0.5f, 0.9f), 0.15f});
 
-    // Small red ghost
-    flareElements.push_back({-1.2f, 0.06f, glm::vec3(1.0f, 0.3f, 0.3f), 0.3f});
+    // Small warm ghost
+    flareElements.push_back({-1.2f, 0.05f, glm::vec3(1.0f, 0.6f, 0.4f), 0.2f});
 }
 
 glm::vec2 LensFlare::worldToScreen(const Camera& camera, const glm::vec3& worldPos) const {
@@ -287,7 +286,9 @@ float LensFlare::calculateSunVisibility(const Camera& camera, const glm::vec3& s
     return angleFactor * edgeFade;
 }
 
-void LensFlare::render(VkCommandBuffer cmd, const Camera& camera, const glm::vec3& sunPosition, float timeOfDay) {
+void LensFlare::render(VkCommandBuffer cmd, const Camera& camera, const glm::vec3& sunPosition,
+                       float timeOfDay, float fogDensity, float cloudDensity,
+                       float weatherIntensity) {
     if (!enabled || pipeline == VK_NULL_HANDLE) {
         return;
     }
@@ -312,6 +313,16 @@ void LensFlare::render(VkCommandBuffer cmd, const Camera& camera, const glm::vec
         return;
     }
 
+    // Atmospheric attenuation — fog, clouds, and weather reduce lens flare
+    float atmosphericFactor = 1.0f;
+    atmosphericFactor *= (1.0f - glm::clamp(fogDensity * 0.8f, 0.0f, 0.9f));       // Heavy fog nearly kills flare
+    atmosphericFactor *= (1.0f - glm::clamp(cloudDensity * 0.6f, 0.0f, 0.7f));     // Clouds attenuate
+    atmosphericFactor *= (1.0f - glm::clamp(weatherIntensity * 0.9f, 0.0f, 0.95f)); // Rain/snow heavily attenuates
+
+    if (atmosphericFactor < 0.01f) {
+        return;
+    }
+
     // Get sun screen position
     glm::vec2 sunScreen = worldToScreen(camera, anchoredSunPos);
     glm::vec2 screenCenter(0.0f, 0.0f);
@@ -333,8 +344,8 @@ void LensFlare::render(VkCommandBuffer cmd, const Camera& camera, const glm::vec
         // Calculate position along sun-to-center axis
         glm::vec2 position = sunScreen + sunToCenter * element.position;
 
-        // Apply visibility and intensity
-        float brightness = element.brightness * visibility * intensityMultiplier;
+        // Apply visibility, intensity, and atmospheric attenuation
+        float brightness = element.brightness * visibility * intensityMultiplier * atmosphericFactor;
 
         // Set push constants
         FlarePushConstants push{};
diff --git a/src/rendering/renderer.cpp b/src/rendering/renderer.cpp
index 598f3741..f6b2387b 100644
--- a/src/rendering/renderer.cpp
+++ b/src/rendering/renderer.cpp
@@ -2417,10 +2417,21 @@ void Renderer::update(float deltaTime) {
         if (weather && gh) {
             uint32_t wType = gh->getWeatherType();
             float wInt = gh->getWeatherIntensity();
-            if (wType == 1)      weather->setWeatherType(Weather::Type::RAIN);
-            else if (wType == 2) weather->setWeatherType(Weather::Type::SNOW);
-            else                 weather->setWeatherType(Weather::Type::NONE);
-            weather->setIntensity(wInt);
+            if (wType != 0) {
+                // Server-driven weather (SMSG_WEATHER) — authoritative
+                if (wType == 1)      weather->setWeatherType(Weather::Type::RAIN);
+                else if (wType == 2) weather->setWeatherType(Weather::Type::SNOW);
+                else                 weather->setWeatherType(Weather::Type::NONE);
+                weather->setIntensity(wInt);
+            } else {
+                // No server weather — use zone-based weather configuration
+                weather->updateZoneWeather(currentZoneId, deltaTime);
+            }
+            weather->setEnabled(true);
+        } else if (weather) {
+            // No game handler (single-player without network) — zone weather only
+            weather->updateZoneWeather(currentZoneId, deltaTime);
+            weather->setEnabled(true);
         }
     }
     auto light2 = std::chrono::high_resolution_clock::now();
@@ -3200,6 +3211,11 @@ void Renderer::renderWorld(game::World* world, game::GameHandler* gameHandler) {
             skyParams.horizonGlow = lighting.horizonGlow;
         }
 
+        // Weather attenuation for lens flare
+        if (gameHandler) {
+            skyParams.weatherIntensity = gameHandler->getWeatherIntensity();
+        }
+
         skyParams.skyboxModelId = 0;
         skyParams.skyboxHasStars = false;
 
@@ -3866,6 +3882,7 @@ void Renderer::renderReflectionPass() {
                 skyParams.fogDensity = lp.fogDensity;
                 skyParams.horizonGlow = lp.horizonGlow;
             }
+            // weatherIntensity left at default 0 for reflection pass (no game handler in scope)
             skySystem->render(currentCmd, reflPerFrameDescSet, *camera, skyParams);
         }
         if (terrainRenderer && terrainEnabled) {
diff --git a/src/rendering/sky_system.cpp b/src/rendering/sky_system.cpp
index 3e419f77..9509cdc2 100644
--- a/src/rendering/sky_system.cpp
+++ b/src/rendering/sky_system.cpp
@@ -105,9 +105,9 @@ void SkySystem::render(VkCommandBuffer cmd, VkDescriptorSet perFrameSet,
         return;
     }
 
-    // --- Skybox (authoritative sky gradient) ---
+    // --- Skybox (authoritative sky gradient, DBC-driven colors) ---
     if (skybox_) {
-        skybox_->render(cmd, perFrameSet, params.timeOfDay);
+        skybox_->render(cmd, perFrameSet, params);
     }
 
     // --- Procedural stars (debug / fallback) ---
@@ -133,15 +133,17 @@ void SkySystem::render(VkCommandBuffer cmd, VkDescriptorSet perFrameSet,
                            &params.directionalDir, &params.sunColor, params.gameTime);
     }
 
-    // --- Clouds ---
+    // --- Clouds (DBC-driven colors + sun lighting) ---
     if (clouds_) {
-        clouds_->render(cmd, perFrameSet, params.timeOfDay);
+        clouds_->render(cmd, perFrameSet, params);
     }
 
-    // --- Lens flare ---
+    // --- Lens flare (attenuated by atmosphere) ---
     if (lensFlare_) {
         glm::vec3 sunPos = getSunPosition(params);
-        lensFlare_->render(cmd, camera, sunPos, params.timeOfDay);
+        lensFlare_->render(cmd, camera, sunPos, params.timeOfDay,
+                           params.fogDensity, params.cloudDensity,
+                           params.weatherIntensity);
     }
 }
 
diff --git a/src/rendering/skybox.cpp b/src/rendering/skybox.cpp
index e85ce38c..3e0e7de6 100644
--- a/src/rendering/skybox.cpp
+++ b/src/rendering/skybox.cpp
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 #include "rendering/skybox.hpp"
+#include "rendering/sky_system.hpp"
 #include "rendering/vk_context.hpp"
 #include "rendering/vk_shader.hpp"
 #include "rendering/vk_pipeline.hpp"
@@ -10,6 +11,16 @@
 namespace wowee {
 namespace rendering {
 
+// Push constant struct — must match skybox.frag.glsl layout
+struct SkyPushConstants {
+    glm::vec4 zenithColor;    // DBC skyTopColor
+    glm::vec4 midColor;       // DBC skyMiddleColor
+    glm::vec4 horizonColor;   // DBC skyBand1Color
+    glm::vec4 fogColor;       // DBC skyBand2Color / fogColor blend
+    glm::vec4 sunDirAndTime;  // xyz = sun direction, w = timeOfDay
+};
+static_assert(sizeof(SkyPushConstants) == 80, "SkyPushConstants size mismatch");
+
 Skybox::Skybox() = default;
 
 Skybox::~Skybox() {
@@ -39,11 +50,11 @@ bool Skybox::initialize(VkContext* ctx, VkDescriptorSetLayout perFrameLayout) {
     VkPipelineShaderStageCreateInfo vertStage = vertModule.stageInfo(VK_SHADER_STAGE_VERTEX_BIT);
     VkPipelineShaderStageCreateInfo fragStage = fragModule.stageInfo(VK_SHADER_STAGE_FRAGMENT_BIT);
 
-    // Push constant range: horizonColor (vec4) + zenithColor (vec4) + timeOfDay (float) = 36 bytes
+    // Push constant range: 5 x vec4 = 80 bytes
     VkPushConstantRange pushRange{};
     pushRange.stageFlags = VK_SHADER_STAGE_VERTEX_BIT | VK_SHADER_STAGE_FRAGMENT_BIT;
     pushRange.offset = 0;
-    pushRange.size = sizeof(glm::vec4) + sizeof(glm::vec4) + sizeof(float);  // 36 bytes
+    pushRange.size = sizeof(SkyPushConstants);  // 80 bytes
 
     // Create pipeline layout with perFrameLayout (set 0) + push constants
     pipelineLayout = createPipelineLayout(device, {perFrameLayout}, {pushRange});
@@ -148,24 +159,20 @@ void Skybox::shutdown() {
     vkCtx = nullptr;
 }
 
-void Skybox::render(VkCommandBuffer cmd, VkDescriptorSet perFrameSet, float time) {
+void Skybox::render(VkCommandBuffer cmd, VkDescriptorSet perFrameSet, const SkyParams& params) {
     if (pipeline == VK_NULL_HANDLE || !renderingEnabled) {
         return;
     }
 
-    // Push constant data
-    struct SkyPushConstants {
-        glm::vec4 horizonColor;
-        glm::vec4 zenithColor;
-        float timeOfDay;
-    };
+    // Compute sun direction from directionalDir (light points toward scene, sun is opposite)
+    glm::vec3 sunDir = -glm::normalize(params.directionalDir);
 
     SkyPushConstants push{};
-    glm::vec3 horizon = getHorizonColor(time);
-    glm::vec3 zenith = getZenithColor(time);
-    push.horizonColor = glm::vec4(horizon, 1.0f);
-    push.zenithColor  = glm::vec4(zenith,  1.0f);
-    push.timeOfDay    = time;
+    push.zenithColor   = glm::vec4(params.skyTopColor, 1.0f);
+    push.midColor      = glm::vec4(params.skyMiddleColor, 1.0f);
+    push.horizonColor  = glm::vec4(params.skyBand1Color, 1.0f);
+    push.fogColor      = glm::vec4(params.skyBand2Color, 1.0f);
+    push.sunDirAndTime = glm::vec4(sunDir, params.timeOfDay);
 
     // Bind pipeline
     vkCmdBindPipeline(cmd, VK_PIPELINE_BIND_POINT_GRAPHICS, pipeline);
@@ -202,103 +209,5 @@ void Skybox::setTimeOfDay(float time) {
     timeOfDay = time;
 }
 
-glm::vec3 Skybox::getHorizonColor(float time) const {
-    // Time-based horizon colors
-    // 0-6: Night (dark blue)
-    // 6-8: Dawn (orange/pink)
-    // 8-16: Day (light blue)
-    // 16-18: Dusk (orange/red)
-    // 18-24: Night (dark blue)
-
-    if (time < 5.0f || time >= 21.0f) {
-        // Night - dark blue/purple horizon
-        return glm::vec3(0.05f, 0.05f, 0.15f);
-    }
-    else if (time >= 5.0f && time < 7.0f) {
-        // Dawn - blend from night to orange
-        float t = (time - 5.0f) / 2.0f;
-        glm::vec3 night = glm::vec3(0.05f, 0.05f, 0.15f);
-        glm::vec3 dawn = glm::vec3(1.0f, 0.5f, 0.2f);
-        return glm::mix(night, dawn, t);
-    }
-    else if (time >= 7.0f && time < 9.0f) {
-        // Morning - blend from orange to blue
-        float t = (time - 7.0f) / 2.0f;
-        glm::vec3 dawn = glm::vec3(1.0f, 0.5f, 0.2f);
-        glm::vec3 day = glm::vec3(0.6f, 0.7f, 0.9f);
-        return glm::mix(dawn, day, t);
-    }
-    else if (time >= 9.0f && time < 17.0f) {
-        // Day - light blue horizon
-        return glm::vec3(0.6f, 0.7f, 0.9f);
-    }
-    else if (time >= 17.0f && time < 19.0f) {
-        // Dusk - blend from blue to orange/red
-        float t = (time - 17.0f) / 2.0f;
-        glm::vec3 day = glm::vec3(0.6f, 0.7f, 0.9f);
-        glm::vec3 dusk = glm::vec3(1.0f, 0.4f, 0.1f);
-        return glm::mix(day, dusk, t);
-    }
-    else {
-        // Evening - blend from orange to night
-        float t = (time - 19.0f) / 2.0f;
-        glm::vec3 dusk = glm::vec3(1.0f, 0.4f, 0.1f);
-        glm::vec3 night = glm::vec3(0.05f, 0.05f, 0.15f);
-        return glm::mix(dusk, night, t);
-    }
-}
-
-glm::vec3 Skybox::getZenithColor(float time) const {
-    // Zenith (top of sky) colors
-
-    if (time < 5.0f || time >= 21.0f) {
-        // Night - very dark blue, almost black
-        return glm::vec3(0.01f, 0.01f, 0.05f);
-    }
-    else if (time >= 5.0f && time < 7.0f) {
-        // Dawn - blend from night to light blue
-        float t = (time - 5.0f) / 2.0f;
-        glm::vec3 night = glm::vec3(0.01f, 0.01f, 0.05f);
-        glm::vec3 dawn = glm::vec3(0.3f, 0.4f, 0.7f);
-        return glm::mix(night, dawn, t);
-    }
-    else if (time >= 7.0f && time < 9.0f) {
-        // Morning - blend to bright blue
-        float t = (time - 7.0f) / 2.0f;
-        glm::vec3 dawn = glm::vec3(0.3f, 0.4f, 0.7f);
-        glm::vec3 day = glm::vec3(0.2f, 0.5f, 1.0f);
-        return glm::mix(dawn, day, t);
-    }
-    else if (time >= 9.0f && time < 17.0f) {
-        // Day - bright blue zenith
-        return glm::vec3(0.2f, 0.5f, 1.0f);
-    }
-    else if (time >= 17.0f && time < 19.0f) {
-        // Dusk - blend to darker blue
-        float t = (time - 17.0f) / 2.0f;
-        glm::vec3 day = glm::vec3(0.2f, 0.5f, 1.0f);
-        glm::vec3 dusk = glm::vec3(0.1f, 0.2f, 0.4f);
-        return glm::mix(day, dusk, t);
-    }
-    else {
-        // Evening - blend to night
-        float t = (time - 19.0f) / 2.0f;
-        glm::vec3 dusk = glm::vec3(0.1f, 0.2f, 0.4f);
-        glm::vec3 night = glm::vec3(0.01f, 0.01f, 0.05f);
-        return glm::mix(dusk, night, t);
-    }
-}
-
-glm::vec3 Skybox::getSkyColor(float altitude, float time) const {
-    // Blend between horizon and zenith based on altitude
-    glm::vec3 horizon = getHorizonColor(time);
-    glm::vec3 zenith = getZenithColor(time);
-
-    // Use power curve for more natural gradient
-    float t = std::pow(std::max(altitude, 0.0f), 0.5f);
-
-    return glm::mix(horizon, zenith, t);
-}
-
 } // namespace rendering
 } // namespace wowee
diff --git a/src/rendering/weather.cpp b/src/rendering/weather.cpp
index 20af6ab7..fed604dc 100644
--- a/src/rendering/weather.cpp
+++ b/src/rendering/weather.cpp
@@ -369,5 +369,134 @@ void Weather::shutdown() {
     particlePositions.clear();
 }
 
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// Zone-based weather configuration
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+void Weather::setZoneWeather(uint32_t zoneId, Type type, float minIntensity, float maxIntensity, float probability) {
+    zoneWeatherTable_[zoneId] = {type, minIntensity, maxIntensity, probability};
+}
+
+void Weather::initializeZoneWeatherDefaults() {
+    if (zoneWeatherInitialized_) return;
+    zoneWeatherInitialized_ = true;
+
+    // Eastern Kingdoms zones
+    setZoneWeather(10,   Type::RAIN, 0.2f, 0.6f, 0.3f);   // Duskwood — frequent rain
+    setZoneWeather(11,   Type::RAIN, 0.1f, 0.4f, 0.15f);  // Wetlands — moderate rain
+    setZoneWeather(8,    Type::RAIN, 0.1f, 0.5f, 0.2f);   // Swamp of Sorrows
+    setZoneWeather(33,   Type::RAIN, 0.2f, 0.7f, 0.25f);  // Stranglethorn Vale
+    setZoneWeather(44,   Type::RAIN, 0.1f, 0.3f, 0.1f);   // Redridge Mountains — light rain
+    setZoneWeather(36,   Type::RAIN, 0.1f, 0.4f, 0.15f);  // Alterac Mountains
+    setZoneWeather(45,   Type::RAIN, 0.1f, 0.3f, 0.1f);   // Arathi Highlands
+    setZoneWeather(267,  Type::RAIN, 0.2f, 0.5f, 0.2f);   // Hillsbrad Foothills
+    setZoneWeather(28,   Type::RAIN, 0.1f, 0.3f, 0.1f);   // Western Plaguelands — occasional rain
+    setZoneWeather(139,  Type::RAIN, 0.1f, 0.3f, 0.1f);   // Eastern Plaguelands
+
+    // Snowy zones
+    setZoneWeather(1,    Type::SNOW, 0.2f, 0.6f, 0.3f);   // Dun Morogh
+    setZoneWeather(51,   Type::SNOW, 0.1f, 0.5f, 0.2f);   // Searing Gorge (occasional)
+    setZoneWeather(41,   Type::SNOW, 0.1f, 0.4f, 0.15f);  // Deadwind Pass
+    setZoneWeather(2817, Type::SNOW, 0.3f, 0.7f, 0.4f);   // Crystalsong Forest
+    setZoneWeather(67,   Type::SNOW, 0.2f, 0.6f, 0.35f);  // Storm Peaks
+    setZoneWeather(65,   Type::SNOW, 0.2f, 0.5f, 0.3f);   // Dragonblight
+    setZoneWeather(394,  Type::SNOW, 0.1f, 0.4f, 0.2f);   // Grizzly Hills
+    setZoneWeather(495,  Type::SNOW, 0.3f, 0.8f, 0.5f);   // Howling Fjord
+    setZoneWeather(210,  Type::SNOW, 0.2f, 0.5f, 0.25f);  // Icecrown
+    setZoneWeather(3537, Type::SNOW, 0.2f, 0.6f, 0.3f);   // Borean Tundra
+    setZoneWeather(4742, Type::SNOW, 0.2f, 0.5f, 0.3f);   // Hrothgar's Landing
+
+    // Kalimdor zones
+    setZoneWeather(15,   Type::RAIN, 0.1f, 0.4f, 0.15f);  // Dustwallow Marsh
+    setZoneWeather(16,   Type::RAIN, 0.1f, 0.3f, 0.1f);   // Azshara
+    setZoneWeather(148,  Type::RAIN, 0.1f, 0.4f, 0.15f);  // Darkshore
+    setZoneWeather(331,  Type::RAIN, 0.1f, 0.3f, 0.1f);   // Ashenvale
+    setZoneWeather(405,  Type::RAIN, 0.1f, 0.3f, 0.1f);   // Desolace
+    setZoneWeather(15,   Type::RAIN, 0.2f, 0.5f, 0.2f);   // Dustwallow Marsh
+    setZoneWeather(490,  Type::RAIN, 0.1f, 0.4f, 0.15f);  // Un'Goro Crater
+    setZoneWeather(493,  Type::RAIN, 0.1f, 0.3f, 0.1f);   // Moonglade
+
+    // Winterspring is snowy
+    setZoneWeather(618,  Type::SNOW, 0.2f, 0.6f, 0.3f);   // Winterspring
+
+    // Outland
+    setZoneWeather(3483, Type::RAIN, 0.1f, 0.3f, 0.1f);   // Hellfire Peninsula (occasional)
+    setZoneWeather(3521, Type::RAIN, 0.1f, 0.4f, 0.15f);  // Zangarmarsh
+    setZoneWeather(3519, Type::RAIN, 0.1f, 0.3f, 0.1f);   // Terokkar Forest
+}
+
+void Weather::updateZoneWeather(uint32_t zoneId, float deltaTime) {
+    if (!zoneWeatherInitialized_) {
+        initializeZoneWeatherDefaults();
+    }
+
+    // Zone changed — reset weather cycle
+    if (zoneId != currentWeatherZone_) {
+        currentWeatherZone_ = zoneId;
+        zoneWeatherTimer_ = 0.0f;
+
+        auto it = zoneWeatherTable_.find(zoneId);
+        if (it == zoneWeatherTable_.end()) {
+            // Zone has no configured weather — clear gradually
+            targetIntensity_ = 0.0f;
+        } else {
+            // Roll whether weather is active based on probability
+            float roll = static_cast<float>(rand()) / static_cast<float>(RAND_MAX);
+            zoneWeatherActive_ = (roll < it->second.probability);
+
+            if (zoneWeatherActive_) {
+                weatherType = it->second.type;
+                // Random intensity within configured range
+                float t = static_cast<float>(rand()) / static_cast<float>(RAND_MAX);
+                targetIntensity_ = glm::mix(it->second.minIntensity, it->second.maxIntensity, t);
+                // Random cycle duration: 3-8 minutes
+                zoneWeatherCycleDuration_ = 180.0f + static_cast<float>(rand()) / static_cast<float>(RAND_MAX) * 300.0f;
+            } else {
+                targetIntensity_ = 0.0f;
+                zoneWeatherCycleDuration_ = 120.0f + static_cast<float>(rand()) / static_cast<float>(RAND_MAX) * 180.0f;
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    // Smooth intensity transitions
+    float transitionSpeed = 0.15f * deltaTime; // ~7 seconds to full transition
+    if (intensity < targetIntensity_) {
+        intensity = std::min(intensity + transitionSpeed, targetIntensity_);
+    } else if (intensity > targetIntensity_) {
+        intensity = std::max(intensity - transitionSpeed, targetIntensity_);
+    }
+
+    // If intensity reached zero and target is zero, clear weather type
+    if (intensity <= 0.01f && targetIntensity_ <= 0.01f) {
+        if (weatherType != Type::NONE) {
+            weatherType = Type::NONE;
+            particles.clear();
+        }
+    }
+
+    // Weather cycling — periodically re-roll weather
+    zoneWeatherTimer_ += deltaTime;
+    if (zoneWeatherTimer_ >= zoneWeatherCycleDuration_ && zoneWeatherCycleDuration_ > 0.0f) {
+        zoneWeatherTimer_ = 0.0f;
+
+        auto it = zoneWeatherTable_.find(zoneId);
+        if (it != zoneWeatherTable_.end()) {
+            float roll = static_cast<float>(rand()) / static_cast<float>(RAND_MAX);
+            zoneWeatherActive_ = (roll < it->second.probability);
+
+            if (zoneWeatherActive_) {
+                weatherType = it->second.type;
+                float t = static_cast<float>(rand()) / static_cast<float>(RAND_MAX);
+                targetIntensity_ = glm::mix(it->second.minIntensity, it->second.maxIntensity, t);
+            } else {
+                targetIntensity_ = 0.0f;
+            }
+
+            // New cycle duration
+            zoneWeatherCycleDuration_ = 180.0f + static_cast<float>(rand()) / static_cast<float>(RAND_MAX) * 300.0f;
+        }
+    }
+}
+
 } // namespace rendering
 } // namespace wowee