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Altocumulus Height: Mid-level Color: White Shape: Heap-like, often grouped together Weather: Varies Description: Altocumulus clouds are fairly common clouds that look like round white or gray patches in the sky. They are sometimes grouped in parallel lines and have been described as looking similar to tufts of wool or fish scales. Altostratus Height: Mid-level Color: White or light gray Shape: Thick and flat Weather: Usually indicates warm weather approaching, may cause light rain These clouds form a white or gray layer that blankets the sky at mid-level. There are usually no patches of blue sky when these clouds appear, but the sun is often visible as a dimly lit disk behind the clouds (although no shadows appear on the ground). Can you match the cloud picture to its name? Cirrocumulus Height: High-level Color: White or gray Shape: Rows of small patchy clouds Weather: Usually sunny and cold Cirrocumulus clouds are much smaller than most other types of clouds, and they are sometimes called cloudlets. They are found at high altitudes and are made of ice crystals. They often are arranged in parallel rows. They are one of the rarer types of clouds and usually don't last long. Cirrostratus Height: High-level Color: Transparent or whitish Shape: Wispy, but thicker than cirrus clouds Weather: Varies These are transparent, wispy clouds that cover most or all of the sky. The best identifier for cirrostratus clouds is a halo or ring of light surrounding the sun or moon. Cirrus Height: High-level Color: White Shape: Wispy or feathery Weather: Warm front may be approaching Wispy clouds located high in the atmosphere are likely cirrus clouds. They are thin and white with lots of blue sky visible. They can occur in fair weather or when a warm front or large storm is approaching. Cumulonimbus Height: Low-level, but can spaln all layers Color: Pale to dark gray Shape: Dense and towering Weather: Thunderstorms Cumulonimbus are the classic "thunderstorm clouds" and are large towering clouds that are often dark in color. Seeing them is a sign that a storm is likely on its way. They can be very large, appearing like a mountain (sometimes with a flat top). Cumulus Height: Low-level Color: White Shape: Fluffy, tall; looks like cauliflower Weather: Typically sunny The stereotypical puffy cloud you probably drew a lot of when you were a kid, cumulus clouds are dense individual clouds that are bright white on top and gray underneath. They typically appear earlier in the day when it's sunny. Nimbostratus Height: Low-level Color: Dark gray Shape: Large thick layer Weather: Steady rain or snow Nimbostratus clouds form a thick, dark layer across the sky. They are often thick enough to blot out the sun. Like cumulonimbus clouds, they are associated with heavy precipitation, but, unlike cumulonimbus, you can't pick out individual nimbostratus clouds. To make it easier for you to identify the top ten clouds next time you look up to the sky, here is a list of cloud types and their properties. You can even have game or contest to identify different images in clouds. 44 • Of f icialKidsMag.com • JANUARY 2020

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