What kind of cloud is cumulus

Weather prediction: Fair, but cold. However, if you live in a tropical region, these clouds could be a sign of an approaching hurricane! Altocumulus clouds have several patchy white or gray layers, and seem to be made up of many small rows of fluffy ripples. They are lower than cirrus clouds, but still quite high. Weather prediction: Fair. Altostratus clouds are gray or blue-gray mid-level clouds composed of ice crystals and water droplets.

The clouds usually cover the entire sky. Weather prediction: Be prepared for continuous rain or snow! Nimbostratus clouds are dark, gray clouds that seem to fade into falling rain or snow. They are so thick that they often blot out the sunlight. Weather prediction: Gloomy with continuous rain or snow. Cumulus clouds look like fluffy, white cotton balls in the sky. They are beautiful in sunsets, and their varying sizes and shapes can make them fun to observe!

Stratus cloud often look like thin, white sheets covering the whole sky. Height of base : 1, - 6, ft Shape: cauliflower of fluffy Latin: cumulus - heap Precipitation: occasional rain or snow showers What are cumulus clouds? How do cumulus clouds form? What weather is associated with cumulus clouds? How do we categorise cumulus clouds? Cumulus clouds have four main categorisations or 'species': Cumulus humilis - these are wider than they are tall, often numerous in the sky and indicate fair weather conditions Cumulus mediocris - these are as wide as they are tall and are usually seen amongst a variety of other cumulus variations Cumulus congestus - these are taller than they are wide, looking like long chimneys capable of producing light showers Cumulus fractus - these are the broken remnants of cumulus clouds that are breaking up or 'dissipating.

You might also like. Typically, cumulus clouds are associated with pleasant weather where you can lie back on the grass and admire the sky.

Above: Fair weather cumulus clouds over a field Courtesy Wikipedia. If updrafts become stronger, those seemingly innocuous cumulus clouds may grow taller into what we call cumulonimbus clouds. These are the awe-inspiring and ominous clouds mainly observed during the summer months and can be indicative of developing thunderstorms, including lightning, hail, heavy rain and even tornadoes.

The strongest thunderstorms can even produce cumulonimbus clouds that tower up to 60, feet! Above: Textbook example of a towering cumulonimbus cloud Courtesy Wikipedia. Personally, stratus clouds are my least-favorite and I'm sure that likely goes for most people.

These clouds, which look like a layer of gray blanketing the sky, are generally associated with wet conditions. They typically form when warm air is lifted over cold air, which allows the water vapor to condense rather uniformly, transforming the sky into a gray and dreary scene. In fact, stratus clouds can last for days and bring cool temperatures, persistent rain, drizzle, or even snow. Above: Layer of stratus clouds Courtesy Wikipedia.

Now on to my favorite type of cloud, cirrus clouds! Ever notice those high, thin and wispy clouds that usually make for beautiful sunsets? Cumulus clouds are puffy clouds that sometimes look like pieces of floating cotton. The base of each cloud is often flat and may be only meters feet above the ground.

The top of the cloud has rounded towers.