Cloud Types & Weather Prediction

Cloud Classification Remember the prefix meanings: “Cumulus” = heap “Stratus” = spread out “Cirrus” = wispy “Numbo/Nimbus” = holding rain “Alto” = middle There are a total of ten (10) different could types Clouds can be classified by their altitude (How high up they are) Low-level clouds: 5 types Mid-level clouds: 2 types High-level clouds: 3 types

A) Low-Level Clouds 1) Stratus (St): 2) Cumulus (CU): Characteristics: Fog/mist-like Prediction: No reliable prediction Precipitation: None 2) Cumulus (CU): Lumpy in appearance Fair-weather Occasional showers Stratus  Cumulus 

A) Low-Level Clouds continued… Stratocumulus 3) Stratocumulus (Sc): Characteristics: Continuous lumpy layer Prediction: Dull period, extensive coverage Precipitation: Occasional drizzle 4) Cumulonimbus (Cb): Large, towering, anvil shape Get INSIDE! Lightning, thunder, rainbows Heavy rain, hail Cumulonimbus 

A) Low-Level Clouds continued… 5) Nimbostratus (Ns): Characteristics: Dense, blue/grey cloud Prediction: Continuous rain Precipitation: Heavy rain Nimbostratus 

B) Mid-Level Clouds 6) Altostratus (As): Characteristics: Light grey shapeless sheet Prediction: Approach of rain Precipitation: Light rain as wet conditions approach 7) Altocumulus (Ac): Lumpy, cliché clouds, often photographed Unsettled, stormy weather is approaching Rare to none Altostratus  Altocumulus 

C) High-Level Clouds 8) Cirrus (Ci): Characteristics: White, delicate Prediction: Small amounts = fair weather; large amounts = storm Precipitation: None 9) Cirrocumulus (Cc): Very small, white, often mistaken for altocumulus Storm approaching Cirrus  Cirrocumulus 

C) High-Level Clouds continued… 10) Cirrostratus (Cs): Characteristics: Thin, white difficult to see Prediction: Continuous, non-stormy rain approaching Precipitation: None Cirrostratus 