Weather Tidbits: Low-Level Cloud Types

This edition of Weather Tidbits will be discussing low level cloud types. These are the clouds in the lowest part of the troposphere. The troposphere is the lowest part of the atmosphere and is generally around 30,000 to 40,000 feet in height. Low level clouds are clouds that develop below 6,500 feet. The two types of low level clouds are stratus and cumulus clouds. Stratus clouds are uniform and flat. They are usually precipitation free, but can produce a sprinkle if the clouds are low enough. Cumulus clouds are developed more with pure vertical motion of air parcels, usually driven by daytime heating. If cumulus clouds grow tall enough, they can produce rain and thunder, particularly during summer. A tall cumulus cloud is known as a cumulonimbus cloud, which can produce a thunderstorm.