Cloud Types

The following words are different types of clouds from highest altitude to lowest. But, first things first. A cloud is water moisture and ice crystals that have collected in the atmosphere.

1. Cirrus: feathery clouds; made of ice crystals
2. Cirrocumulus: small, round puffs of clouds that generally appear in long rows
3. Cirrostratus: Sheet-like clouds; usually appear 12-24 hours before a storm
4. Cumulonimbus: large, tall clouds that cause thunderstorms; produce precipitation, lightning, and thunder
5. Altostratus: gray or blue-gray clouds that cover the entire sky; appear before precipitation
6. Altocumulus: gray-white, puffy clouds
7. Nimbostratus: dark gray clouds that appear with precipitation
8. Cumulus: white, puffy clouds; signal fair weather
9. Stratus: flat, low, gray clouds that appear to be in a sheet
10. Stratocumulus: gray, lumpy clouds