Weather Tidbits: High-Level Cloud Types

This edition of Weather Tidbits will be discussing high-level clouds in the troposphere. The troposphere is the lowest part of the atmosphere and is generally around 30,000 to 40,000 feet in height. High level clouds are clouds that develop aloft 20,000 feet. These clouds are primarily composed of ice crystals because of the cold temperatures at such high altitudes. The three types of high-level clouds are cirrus, cirrostratus, and cirrocumulus clouds. Cirrus clouds are wispy and feathery. These clouds can indicate the approach of a warm front and can develop well ahead of said front. Cirrostratus are more veil-like with a thicker texture. Cirrocumulus features a lumpy texture, sharing a fairly similar characteristic to regular cumulus clouds.