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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