Middle clouds

Clouds of the troposphere

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.

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

Middle clouds

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.

Altocumulus

Patches or rolls of cloud, often with shaded parts, in the middle troposphere.

Altostratus

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

Nimbostratus

A thick cloud layer that often produces widespread, sustained rain or snow; it can extend across several levels.

Cloud classification · WMO Troposphere