Types of Clouds

Clouds are categorized by ...

• moisture content

• high, middle or low, and shape

• puffiness

• high, middle, low

What type of cloud is this wispy, white cloud?

• cumulus

• nimbostratus

• stratus

• cirrus

This is a high cloud that usually means fair weather except in the tropics where it could mean a storm is coming.

• cirrus

• cirrostratus

• cirrocumulus

• stratus

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

These are grey or blue clouds that cover the sky and indicate a storm is coming soon.

• altostratus

• nimbostratus

• stratus

• cumulus

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

These are low-lying bumpy clouds that do not bring precipitation. They tend to come in patches and do not cover the sky.

• nimbostratus

• cumulonimbus

• cumulus

• stratocumulus

These clouds are low-lying solid clouds that are often formed when fog lifts off the ground and look like elevated fog. Often they bring drizzle or light snow.

• cirrus

• stratus

• cirrocumulus

• nimbostratus

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

These are your standard 'cotton ball' clouds that usually mean fair weather, but can build to thunderstorms.

• cumulus

• nimbostratus

• altocumulus

• cirrus

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

These clouds are a cumulus cloud that form into an anvil shape that points to where the rain, lightning, hail, or tornadoes are moving.

• stratus

• cirrocumulus

• Cumulonimbus

• cirrus

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

These high clouds are sheet like and cover the whole sky. The sun or moon can be seen through them and they indicate wet weather within 12-24 hours.

• altostratus

• altocumulus

• stratocumulus

• cirrostratus

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

These are middle level greyish-white clouds that blanket the entire sky. They have a fluffy appearances and light and dark contrasts; sun cannot get through them.

• cirrocumulus

• altocumulus

• nimbostratus

• cirrus

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5