Low-level Clouds

Low clouds are of mostly composed of water droplets since their bases generally lie
below 6,500 feet (2,000 meters). However, when temperatures are cold enough, these
clouds may also contain ice particles and snow.

Stratocumulus Clouds
Low, Lumpy Layer of Clouds

Stratocumulus clouds generally appear

as a low, lumpy layer of clouds that is
sometimes accompanied by weak
intensity precipitation. Stratocumulus
vary in colour from dark grey to light
grey and may appear as rounded masses,
rolls, etc., with breaks of clear sky in
between

Since the individual elements of

stratocumulus are larger than those of
altocumulus, one can easily decipher
between the two cloud types by
extending your arm toward the sky.
Altocumulus elements are about the size
of a thumb nail while stratocumulus is
about the size of a fist.
Nimbostratus Clouds
Dark, Low-Level Clouds with
Precipitation

Nimbostratus is dark, low-level clouds

accompanied by light to moderately
falling precipitation. Low clouds are
primarily composed of water droplets
since their bases generally lie below
6,500 feet (2,000 meters). However,
when temperatures are cold enough,
these clouds may also contain ice
particles and snow. The sun (or moon) is
not visible through nimbostratus clouds,
which distinguishes them from mid-level
altostratus clouds.