What kind of clouds are storm clouds?

Cumulonimbus (from Latin cumulus, "heap" and nimbus, "rainstorm") is a dense, towering vertical cloud formed by water vapor carried by strong upward air currents. If observed during a storm, these clouds can be referred to as thunderstorms.

What cloud causes a storm?

cumulonimbus cloud
Meanwhile, cool dry air flows downward in the cloud, called a downdraft, which draws the water downward as rain. With an updraft, downdraft, and rain, the cloud is now called a cumulonimbus cloud, and the cycling of air up and down is called a thunderstorm cell.

Can a cloud be captured?

NASA has just captured data on an incredibly rare type of cloud in Earth's atmosphere. At certain times of the year, in the polar regions of the Earth, just after the Sun has set, you can sometimes see electric-blue clouds high in the sky.

What kind of clouds look like thunderstorms?

Cumulonimbus are the classic "thunder clouds" and are large, towering clouds that are often dark in color. Seeing them is a sign that a storm is likely to come. They can be very large and look like a mountain (sometimes with a flat top).

How to spot storm clouds in severe weather?

Look for the following types of clouds during disturbed weather; recognizing them and the severe weather they are associated with can give you a head start on finding shelter. Once you know which clouds are related to severe weather and what they look like, you'll be one step closer to becoming a storm spotter.

What kind of clouds are used to predict the weather?

Intermediate clouds occupy altitudes of 6,500 feet to 18,000 feet. These clouds are called alto clouds. Alt clouds are used to predict weather changes in 6 to 12 hours. An Altostratus cloud usually covers the entire sky.

What kind of weather are cirrus clouds formed in?

Cirrus typically occurs in good weather. They can also form ahead of warm fronts and large-scale storms like nor'easters and tropical cyclones, so seeing them can also indicate that storms may be coming.