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High Clouds (Cirrus Clouds) |
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Cirrus Clouds
Description: Most common of all Cirrus clouds. Characterized by thin, wisplike strands, often referred to as "Mare's Tail".
Prediction: Often a sign of a changing weather pattern, often becoming stormy. |
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Cirrostratus Clouds
Description: Thin, sheetlike clouds, often covering the entire sky.
Prediction: A sign of a large amount of moisture in the upper atmosphere, often indicating precipitation will follow in the next 12-24 hours. |
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Cirrocumulus Clouds
Description: Small rounded puffs that often appear in rows. Normally white but can also be gray. Often seen in the winter.
Prediction: Indicate fair but cold weather. |
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Medium-High Clouds (Alto Clouds) |
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Altostratus Clouds
Description: Gray and sheetlike. Frequently cover the whole sky. Can often see the sun shining through them.
Prediction: Indicate an uncoming frontal system usually followed by persistent rain or snow. |
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Altocumulus Clouds
Description: White or gray, appear in sheets or in wavy, rounded masses.
Prediction: Indicate an uncoming frontal system. Seen in the morning, they often indicate thunderstorms by afternoon. |
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| Low Clouds (Strato Clouds) |
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Stratus Clouds
Description: Uniform & Gray, cover almost the entire sky.
Prediction: Often associated with a light mist or drizzle. |
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Stratocumulus Clouds
Description: Low, gray, and clumpy.
Prediction: Often described as dull weather. Precipitation rarely occurs with these clouds. |
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Nimbostratus Clouds
Description: Uniformly dark gray.
Prediction: Often indicate rain. |
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| Clouds with Veritcal Growth |
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Cumulus Clouds
Description: Puffy, cottonlike clouds. May appear alone or in clusters.
Prediction: Known as fair weather clouds. However, as they develop into larger clouds, known as cumulonimbus clouds, they predict severe storms (see below). |
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Cumulonimbus Clouds
Description: Larger versions of Cumulus clouds (see above).
Prediction: Known as thunderstorm clouds. Often indicate thunderstorms, rain, hail, or snow. |
