This cloud resembles a lens and is typically positioned over a high hill or mountain. The lenticular cloud is one of the more unusual cloud types and is more common to those living out west, especially in the Rocky Mountains. However, these clouds are not associated with any weather.Ībove: Contrails from the engines of a British Airways Boeing 747 (Courtesy ) Depending on how dry the upper atmosphere is, the contrail cloud may stick around for mere seconds or spread out and become cirrus clouds for hours. When the aircraft releases the hot water vapor at such a high altitude, it becomes trapped in a very cold environment where it almost immediately condenses and forms a cloud. No, they are not formed as a result of chemicals emitted into the atmosphere, but mainly because of the water vapor released by the exhaust of an aircraft. Now we reach the clouds that are sometimes at the center of controversy, contrails. While cirrus clouds may filter sunshine and make for a beautiful day, don’t be fooled…they can signify impending storms!Ībove: Cirrus clouds on a beautiful day (Courtesy ) They also form out ahead of warm fronts and can be indicative of upcoming precipitation. We can see cirrus clouds in a variety of scenarios including outflow from large scale storms, like nor'easters, tropical cyclones and even thunderstorm complexes. They develop very high up in the atmosphere and are actually made up of tiny ice crystals. Now on to my favorite type of cloud, cirrus clouds! Ever notice those high, thin and wispy clouds that usually make for beautiful sunsets? Yep, those are cirrus. In fact, stratus clouds can last for days and bring cool temperatures, persistent rain, drizzle, or even snow.Ībove: Layer of stratus clouds (Courtesy Wikipedia) They typically form when warm air is lifted over cold air, which allows the water vapor to condense rather uniformly, transforming the sky into a gray and dreary scene. These clouds, which look like a layer of gray blanketing the sky, are generally associated with wet conditions. Personally, stratus clouds are my least-favorite and I'm sure that likely goes for most people. The strongest thunderstorms can even produce cumulonimbus clouds that tower up to 60,000 feet!Ībove: Textbook example of a towering cumulonimbus cloud (Courtesy Wikipedia) These are the awe-inspiring and ominous clouds mainly observed during the summer months and can be indicative of developing thunderstorms, including lightning, hail, heavy rain and even tornadoes. If updrafts become stronger, those seemingly innocuous cumulus clouds may grow taller into what we call cumulonimbus clouds.
Typically, cumulus clouds are associated with pleasant weather where you can lie back on the grass and admire the sky.Ībove: Fair weather cumulus clouds over a field (Courtesy Wikipedia) They generally form from convection, with air parcels rising vertically into the atmosphere (called updrafts) and condensing into the puffy, cotton-like clouds that we all know and love. Let's learn more about the different cloud types and what type of weather you can expect from each.Ĭumulus clouds are probably the most well-known of the cloud types.
Did you know that different clouds are precursors to specific types of weather? It's true! Making note of the cloud types can give you insight into impending weather conditions. Clouds are described by almost every adjective in the book, from pretty to ugly to ominous and breathtaking.
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