There are 5 main types of clouds categorized by their height above sea level: low clouds like stratus and cumulus below 6,500 feet, middle clouds such as altostratus from 6,500 to 20,000 feet, and high clouds like cirrus above 20,000 feet. Cumulonimbus clouds are towering clouds that can reach heights over 60,000 feet and produce thunderstorms that bring hail and lightning. Cirrus clouds form above 30,000 feet and are composed primarily of ice crystals.

1. About Clouds

2. 4 Or 5 Types of clouds Low clouds- stratus, cumulus, and cumulonimbus clouds. Middle clouds-Altostratus clouds, and altocumulus clouds. 6,500 to 20,000 feet. High clouds- cirrus clouds, cirrostratus clouds, and cirrocumulus clouds. Above 20,000 feet. Towering clouds base is low can up to 20,000 feet or higher. Cumulonimbus clouds – the base is low up to 60,000 feet or Tropopause.

3. Cumulus clouds and Towering cumulus clouds

4. Cumulonimbus clouds High moisture content, upper lifting action, instability. The stages of a thunderstorm is cumulus, mature, and dissipating. You can have hail 2 nm out form the thunderstorm and tops can be up to 60,000 feet. Lighting can go up to 20 nm out from cloud.

5. Stratus Clouds Stratus clouds are low clouds. When have stratus clouds there is stable air, restricted visibility, and light turbulence.

6. Cirrus clouds Cirrus are in the high cloud family. Form above 30,000 feet. The clouds is mostly of ice crystals.