Clouds

Characteristics

Cirrus

Fibrous, threadlike, white feather clouds of ice crystals, whose form resembles hair curls. No precipitation.

Cirrostratus

Milky, translucent cloud veil of ice crystals, which sometimes causes halo appearances around moon and sun. No precipitation.

Cirrocumulus

Fleecy cloud; Cloud banks of small, white flakes. No precipitation.

Altocumulus

Grey cloud bundles, sheds or rollers, compound like rough fleecy cloud, which are often arranged in banks. Precipitation: May produce light showers.

Altostratus

Dense, gray layer cloud, often evenly and opaquely, which lets the sun shine through only a little.

Precipitation: rain or snow.

Stratocumulus

Cloud plaices, rollers or banks compound dark gray layer cloud.

Precipitation: drizzle

Stratus

Evenly grey, low layer cloud, which causes fog or fine precipitation and is sometimes frazzled.

Precipitation: drizzle

Cumulus

Heap cloud with flat basis in the middle or lower level, whose vertical development reminds of the form of towers, cauliflower or cotton.

Precipitation: showers or snow.

Cumulonimbus

In the middle or lower level developing thundercloud, which mostly up-rises into the upper level. Characterized by, very large cauliflower-shaped towers to 16 km high, often 'anvil tops'.

Phenomena: thunderstorms, lightning, squalls.

Precipitation: showers or snow.

Nimbostratus

Rain cloud. Grey, dark layer cloud, indistinct outlines.

Precipitation: heavier intensity rain or snow.