Types of Florida Clouds

Every cloud in the sky tells a story. Depending on the type, they can be an indicator of an approaching storm system or fair weather. There are around 10 major groups of clouds, but each cloud can vary in complexion and can be broken down into more than 100 types. Some of the major types include:

Low Clouds (Surface-7,000 ft):

-Cumulus: Light, puffy clouds that tend to have flat bases. Can be precursors to other types of clouds. Form after heat rises from the surface. 

-Stratus: Low, grey clouds that are capable of light precipitation. Tend to cover vast portions of the sky and appear mostly flat.

-Stratocumulus: Grey, lumpy clouds that hang low in the atmosphere. Most do not produce precipitation. Tend to be limited in extent. 

Middle Clouds (7,000 – 23,000 ft):

 -Altocumulus: Common clouds in Florida. Are mid-level greyish, white clouds that form in groups. Clouds are and indication that the atmosphere is warm and can produce thunderstorms.

-Nimbostratus: Dark, grey low clouds that can produce continual precipitation. They usually extend for an extended period.

-Altostratus: Grey, mid-level clouds that usually take up the entire sky and can produce rain. Can be an indication that a more significant storm system is on the way.

High Clouds (16,000 – 43,000 ft):

-Cirrus: High, wispy clouds that indicate warm air is on the way. Are white in color and do not produce precipitation. 
 

-Cirrocumulus: Small, round puffy clouds that appear separated. Can be seen in lines that appear to resemble scales of fish. Even though they indicate fair weather, they are mainly seen during periods of extreme cold.

-Cirrostratus: High, thin clouds that tend to encompass the entire sky. Don't produce precipitation but can lead to the appearance of a halo around the moon or the sun, because they contain ice crystals. Usually indicate major weather changes within the next 24 hours.  

Vertical growth Clouds (Surface – 43,000 ft):

-Cumulonimbus: Can grow high up into the atmosphere and reach winds that cause the top of the cloud to flatten out in an anvil. Often produce heavy rain, hail, lighting and other modes of severe weather.

Other:

-Contrails: Produced by planes at high altitudes. Happens when hot exhaust forms crystals in the sky. The length of visibility depends on the humidity. When the surrounding humidity is low, contrails will evaporate quickly. When humidity levels are high, the contrails could last for hours.

-Mammatus: Pouch clouds that form underneath the base of the main cloud. Form when air descends into warm air undeath what is usually a cumulonimbus clouds.