A small cloud atlas
The ten main types, grouped by height, with the one thing that usually gives each away.
| Type | Height | How to tell |
|---|---|---|
| Cirrus | High | Thin white strands, often hooked at the end |
| Cirrocumulus | High | Tiny grains with no shading, rippled |
| Cirrostratus | High | Milky veil; halos around the sun or moon |
| Altocumulus | Middle | Rounded patches with soft grey shading |
| Altostratus | Middle | Grey sheet; sun looks like it is behind frosted glass |
| Nimbostratus | Low to middle | Dark, featureless, steady rain or snow |
| Stratocumulus | Low | Lumpy grey layer with gaps of blue |
| Stratus | Low | Flat grey fog that does not touch the ground |
| Cumulus | Low | Flat base, cauliflower top, fair weather |
| Cumulonimbus | Low to very high | Towering, anvil top, thunder |
Most skies hold more than one type at once. Start with the lowest layer and work upwards.