Stratus

Stratus clouds are uniform gray clouds that usually cover the entire sky.

Types of Stratus

Cirrostratus- These sheet-like, thin clouds form above 18,000 feet. Usually a sign that rain or snow may be following within 24 hours.

Altostratus- These gray or bluish-gray clouds form between 6,000 and 20,000 feet. Altostratus clouds cover the entire sky over an area that usually extends over hundreds of square kilometers. These clouds usually come ahead of a front that will bring in wide spread precipitation.

Nimbostratus- These dark gray clouds usually form below 6,000 feet and are almost always associated with continuous light to moderate precipitation.

Stratocumulus- Low cloud layers that form below 6,000 feet that appear in rows. Rarely does any precipitation fall from stratocumulus clouds.

Fog

Stratus

Cumulus

Cirrus