Cloud Types

20,000 – 43,000 ft Cirrus High Level wispy, feathery, hairlike, delicate fibers, streaks or plumes

Cirrocumulus High Level Appears as tufts, in lines or groups, sometimes in ripples

Cirrostratus High Level Veil of fused sheets of ice crystals, milky. Sun and moon halos.

Cloud Types Mid-level

Altocumulus Middle Level Patches of cotton balls

Altostratus 6,500 – 20,000 ft. Altostratus Middle Level Thin to thick with no halos, sun’s outline just visible, grey day

Cloud Types Low Level

Nimbostratus Grey dark low clouds with drizzling rain

Stratus Low Level Uniform, featureless, grey, like high fog

Stratocumulus Low Level Soft, grey, globular mases in lines, groups, or waves, heavy rolls, irregular overcast patterns.

Cloud Types Vertically developed

Cumulus Vertically developed Sharply outlined, puffy, billowy, flat based, swelling tops, fair weather

Cumulus Vertically developed Sharply outlined, puffy, billowy, flat based, swelling tops, fair weather

Cumulonimbus Vertically developed Dense, heavy, dark massive thunderstorms hard showers, explosive top, great vertical development cirrus topped plume blown into anvil shaped head.

Cumulonimbus Vertically developed Dense, heavy, dark massive thunderstorms hard showers, explosive top, great vertical development cirrus topped plume blown into anvil shaped head.