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If you’ve ever looked up and wondered, “What type of cloud is that?” this piece is for the budding nephologist (person who studies clouds) in you. By observing clouds, you can predict the incoming weather! See our Guide to Clouds with pictures of common cloud types in the sky and what they mean.
What Are the Main Types of Clouds?
Clouds are grouped into four main categories based on their altitude and shape:
- High clouds (above 20,000 feet)
- Middle clouds (6,500–20,000 feet)
- Low clouds (below 6,500 feet)
- Vertical clouds (can span multiple levels)
High Clouds (Above 20,000 Feet)
Cirrus Clouds
- Appearance: Thin, wispy, feather-like
- Made of: Ice crystals
- Weather meaning: Change is coming—often fair now, but shifting soon
Cirrocumulus Clouds
- Appearance: Small, rippled “cotton patches”
- Weather meaning: Fair but cold; may signal storms in tropical regions
Trivia: Sometimes, cirrocumulus clouds are called a “mackerel sky” based on the folklore, “Mare’s tails and mackerel scales make tall ships take in their sails.” These clouds can precede an approaching warm front. Warm fronts can bring veering winds and precipitation. So, a sailor might take in his sails.
Cirrostratus Clouds
- Appearance: Thin, veil-like layer covering the sky
- Weather meaning: Rain or snow likely within 24 hours
Middle Clouds (6,500–20,000 Feet)
Altocumulus Clouds
- Appearance: Gray or white puffy patches
- Weather meaning: Generally fair weather
Altostratus Clouds
- Appearance: Gray or bluish sheet covering the sky
- Weather meaning: Steady rain or snow on the way
Nimbostratus Clouds
- Appearance: Thick, dark, shapeless
- Weather meaning: Continuous rain or snow
Low Clouds (Below 6,500 Feet)
Stratus Clouds
- Appearance: Flat, gray, blanket-like
- Weather meaning: Overcast with possible drizzle
Stratocumulus Clouds
- Appearance: Low, lumpy cloud layers
- Weather meaning: Fair for now, but weather may change
Vertical Clouds (Form at Nearly Any Altitude)
Cumulus Clouds
- Appearance: Fluffy, white, cotton-like
- Weather meaning: Fair weather
Cumulonimbus Clouds
- Appearance: Tall, dark, towering clouds
- Weather meaning: Thunderstorms, lightning, heavy rain
Quick Cloud Identification Chart
| Cloud Type | Altitude | Appearance | Weather Forecast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cirrus | High | Wispy, thin | Weather changing |
| Cirrocumulus | High | Small patches | Fair, possibly cold |
| Cirrostratus | High | Thin veil | Rain/snow soon |
| Altocumulus | Middle | Puffy patches | Fair weather |
| Altostratus | Middle | Gray layer | Steady precipitation |
| Nimbostratus | Middle/Low | Dark, thick | Continuous rain/snow |
| Stratus | Low | Flat, gray | Drizzle or overcast |
| Stratocumulus | Low | Lumpy layers | Fair, possible change |
| Cumulus | Vertical | Fluffy, bright | Fair weather |
| Cumulonimbus | Vertical | Tall, dark | Storms |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 4 main types of clouds?
High, middle, low, and vertical clouds.
What clouds mean rain is coming?
Nimbostratus and cumulonimbus clouds usually bring rain.
What are fluffy clouds called?
Those are cumulus clouds, and they usually mean fair weather.
Want to see more cloud pictures? Imagine clouds shaped like jellyfish and flying saucers! See Rare Clouds and Pictures.
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Sorry geoengineeringwatch.org
When I was young 58 Year's ago the Vapor Trail's coming from Jet Planes used to Disappear about 3 Planes lengths behind the Plane ! Now this Happen sometimes But sadly Something has Changed in either The Fuel being used or The Way the Modern Jet Engine's work, as the Trail Grows into a Cloud as you & me & many others are seeing regularly in Our Sky's! Then there comes a Huge Storm Weather Event's!
Noreen, there is typically great confusion between "chemtrails" and "contrails".
The latter are simply clouds formed the passage of air through and around the jet motor, and are common and harmless.
The former is someone spraying the atmosphere with a chemical. They should not be confused, but regularly are.
Typically a contrail comes only from the turbine exhaust, and doesn't always occur at all, their formation depends on temperature and humidity, and sometimes they can start and stop abruptly due to changes in humidity or temperature, or engine settings, which can give rise to the belief that they are chemtrails.
Do not worry about contrails, however, chemtrails other than cloud seeding for rain, which could include something more sinister or stupid, are everyone's business.
Noreen, They're not normal, They are called ch em trails, You'll have to do your own research on them.
Agree
show pronunciation of cloud names.
Great question! We added the pronunciations by cloud type above!
Did you know that the higher the clouds, the finer the weather? If you spot high, wispy clouds, expect a nice day!
I've always heard clouds moving in different directionsean unstable weather.
Jay, case in point---like a tornado lol
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