The Different Types of Clouds

Clouds are very interesting features of weather. They are droplets or frozens ice crystals that float above the Earth's atmosphere. Clouds come in all different shapes and sizes. Many photographers have captured amazing pictures of these marvelous creations. Clouds are very fun to look, especially whe you are in a plane. Below are pictures and examples of clouds that can be seen anywhere in the world.

Cirrus Clouds

There is 4 types of Cirrus clouds. Fibratus, Spissatus, Uncinus Spread, and Above 45 degrees. Cirrus Fibratus and Spissatus are ice clouds. If you do see Cirrus Fibratus and Spissatus clouds, that means that you will be getting good weather if the winds are from the W NW to N. Although if the winds are steady from NE E to S, precipitation is likely within 20 to 30 hours of that time period. Cirrus Uncinus Spread and Above 45 degrees are just like Fibratus and Spissatus, but higher.

Cirrostratus Clouds

There are 3 types of Cirrostratus clouds. 2 types of Covering Sky and Halo. Cirrostratus Covering Sky does just what it says. These clouds cover up the whole sky. Some types of Covering Sky contain ice, but most do not. These clouds will mean precipitation is likely to occur in 15 to 25 hours if the winds are NE E to S. Cirrostratus Halo is a very interesting cloud. The Cirrostratus cloud forms a halo around the sun. Rain will likely follow within 15 to 24 hours. The halo is formed by the sun reflecting through the ice crystals of the Cirrostratus.

Cirrocumulus Clouds

Cirrocumulus clouds are all ice clouds. Precipitation is likely within 15-20 hours if NE to S winds. If you see these clouds in the morning, then that means you will likely see some thunderstorm showers in the afternoon.

Altocumulus Clouds

Altocumulus clouds are mostly water and ice clouds. There are 3 types of Altocumulus clouds; translucidus, undulatus, and perlucidus. In all of these clouds, percipitation is likely within 15-20 hours if wind is NE to S. Undulatus clouds mostly threaten rain.

Cumulus Clouds

Cumulus clouds are the most common clouds. There are 4 types of Cumulus clouds; Humilis, Vertical Growth, Congestus, and Fractus. Humilis can occur during fair weather conditions and also can transform into other types of clouds. Vertical Growth can also occur during fair weather conditions andcan spawn afternoon showers. Congestus clouds occur right before bad weather will move through. After they form, storms are likely to occur in 5-10 hours. Fractus also occur during fair weather conditions but have the tendency to break up with strong winds.

Besides these types of clouds, there are Cumulonimbus clouds, Nimbostratus clouds, and Stratocumulus Clouds.

I hope you enjoyed reading my hub and learning some information on clouds. Next time you see clouds, see if you can remember what type the cloud is. Thanks for reading,

JohnB0127

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