Different Types of Clouds 7 There are (nore than 100 types of clouds that exist. But, these can be grouped to 10 basic types based on their shape and height in the sky. Cumulus yr Serre Rel * Height: Low * Color: Gray or white + Color: White Sea aige nCa oe * Shape: Fluffy, tall, often described pated lolol an ac as looking similar to cauliflower sometimes with light precipitation * Weather: Typically sunny The stereotypical puffy cloud you probably drew a lot of when you were a kid, cumulus clouds are dense individual clouds that are bright white on top and gray underneath. They typically appear earlier in the day when it’s sunny. Similar to fog (but on the horizon instead of on the ground), stratus clouds are a gray featureless layer of clouds that cover all or most of the sky.Sec ei SaaS Stratocumulus clouds are somewhat similar to cumulus Altocumulus clouds are fairly . common clouds that look like clouds but are flatter, thicker, . . round white or gray patches in and darker. There is less blue . the sky. They are sometimes sky between the clouds, and . F grouped in parallel lines and the weather will appear more 5 5 doudythansunn have been described as looking y y similar to tufts of wool or fish scales. Altostratus + Height: Mid * Color: White or light gray ick and flat Steady rain or snow These clouds form a white or Nimbostratus clouds form a thick, dark | §"ay layer that blankets the sky layer across the sky. They are often | at mid-level. There are usually no thick enough to blot out the sun. Like patches of blue sky when these cumulonimbus clouds, they are clouds appear, but the sun is peeatne el ay Preoeinor often visible as a dimly lit disk ut, unlike cumulonimbus, you can't . pick out individual nimbostratus behind the clouds (although no clouds. shadows appear on the ground).mercrrus — ceeeuMuTaS “lor White — * Weather: May mean a warm fronts Cesar STE eat Wispy clouds located high in Cece the atmosphere are likely smaller than most other types of | cirrus clouds. They are thin clouds, and they are sometimes called and white with lots of blue sky cloudlets. They are found at high altitudes and are made of ice crystals. | aa ae visible. They can occur in fair They often are arranged in parallel | weather or when awarm front | rows, They ae one of the rarer ypes or large storm is approaching. of clouds and usually don't last long eee Oren rr Doe aaa} Cones Weather: Thunderstorms Cumulonimbus are the classic These are transparent, wispy “thunderstorm clouds” and are clouds that cover most or all of large towering clouds that are the sky. The best identifier for often dark in color. Seeing them is cirrostratus clouds is a halo or a sign that a storm is likely on its ring of light surrounding the SY cg DEED aes appearing like a mountain sun or moon. (sometimes with a flat top).