Altostratus

Clouds of the troposphere

An extensive grey cloud sheet through which the Sun may appear dimly.

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Clouds and a rainbow above green mountains, winding rivers and a blue coastline — Googolstars

Altostratus

An extensive grey cloud sheet through which the Sun may appear dimly.

Middle clouds

2–7 km

Rising air cools, allowing water vapour to condense into cloud droplets. Altocumulus forms patches, altostratus spreads into broad sheets, and thick nimbostratus can bring persistent rain or snow.

Cloud classification · WMO Troposphere