Nimbostratus

Clouds of the troposphere

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

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

Nimbostratus

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

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