Dark-based storm cloud capable of impressive vertical growth. Cumulonimbus (from Latin cumulus 'swell' and nimbus 'cloud') is a dense, towering, vertical cloud, [1] typically forming from water vapor condensing in the lower troposphere that builds upward carried by …

Apr 27, 2022 · Mammatus clouds are cumulus clouds (usually cumulonimbus) with cellular pouches hanging from the cloud base. Clouds with “lumpy” undersides and anvil shapes are associated with extreme turbulence and severe thunderstorms.

Mar 28, 2023 · While clouds appear in infinite shapes and sizes, they fall into some basic forms. From his Essay of the Modifications of Clouds (1803), Luke Howard divided clouds into three categories: cirrus, cumulus, and stratus, plus a fourth special type, nimbus.

Apr 26, 2024 · Clouds are classified into three main groups: cirrus, stratus, and cumulus. Cirrus clouds are wispy, curly, or stringy. They are found high in the atmosphere—typically higher than 6,000 meters (20,000 feet)—and are usually made of ice crystals. Cirrus clouds usually signal clear, fair weather.

Feb 20, 2025 · Sometimes, in the mountains or hills, these clouds appear to be fog. Cumulonimbus clouds grow on hot days when warm, wet air rises very high into the sky. From far away, they look like huge mountains or towers. Weather prediction: Look out for …

Mar 13, 2025 · Finally, cirrocumulus clouds are layered clouds permeated with small cumuliform lumpiness. They also may line up in streets or rows of clouds across the sky denoting localized areas of ascent (cloud axes) and descent (cloud-free channels). Mid-level clouds:

Nov 22, 2024 · Understanding clouds can help us predict storms, fair weather, or a cozy drizzle. In this guide, we’ll explore the 4 main types of clouds: cumulus, stratus, cirrus, and nimbus, breaking it down so anyone can grasp it.

Cumulonimbus clouds are large, fluffy, and mighty clouds that take the shape of an anvil or a huge mushroom at the top when well-developed. They are very dense clouds that soar up to a height of about 15 – 22 km.

Certain Cumulonimbus clouds appear nearly identical with Cumulus congestus. The cloud is identified as Cumulonimbus as soon as at least a part of its upper portion loses the sharpness of its outlines or presents a fibrous or striated texture.

Nov 22, 2019 · So a cumulonimbus clouds definition literally means cumulus rainstorm clouds. They're often larger and form towering shapes in the sky. They can also appear darker than cumulus clouds. Ice crystals are the form the H2O molecule takes when water vapor is turned into clouds in air that is below 0° C or 32° F.