1. Cloud Types & Weather Prediction

2. 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

3. 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 

4. 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 

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

6. 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 

7. 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 

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