Cumulus

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Cumulus clouds form as water vapor condenses in strong, upward air currents above the earth's surface. These clouds usually have flat bases and lumpy tops

Cumulus Clouds range anywhere from below 6,000 to above 50,000 feet.

Cumulus Cloud Types

Altocumulus- These clouds form between 6,000 and 20,000 feet and appear as gray, puffy blobs, sometimes rolled out in parallel waves or bands. Usually followed by bands of thunderstorms.

Cirrocumulus- These clouds form above 18,000 feet and appear as small, rounded white puffs that are isolated or in long rows. When the white puffs are in rows, they give the cloud a rippling appearance that distinguishes it from a cirrus or a cirrostratus cloud. Usually no precipitation is associated with this cloud.

Mammatus clouds- These are pouch like clouds formed underneath thunderstorms. Although they look tall and threatning, they are signals that the thunderstorm is weakening.

Stratocumulus- These low, lumpy cloud layers form below 6,000 feet and can appear in rows, patches or as rounded masses with blue sky in between the cloud elements. Appear as white with a sligh gray tone.

Cumulonimbus- These clouds are more commonly known as thunderstorms. The suffix "nimbus" means rain or precipitation producing clouds.