![Cloud hero](https://images.ctfassets.net/0bpmscdd11bd/64zon0tlMFjnpzW7mqekuc/51656090e12d0b5095ffb62979422391/hero-cloud.jpg?w=1200&h=575&fit=fill&fm=webp&q=83&f=center)
Become a cloudspotter
Need to wind down? Why not just drop everything and look at the sky, if just for a moment?
![Cloud Cirrus](https://images.ctfassets.net/0bpmscdd11bd/sjcmO4nSEYHZ76fG7LVaP/d81974c1f42c756dfb26930705f8d8cf/pexels-Cirrus.jpg?w=1000&h=667&fm=webp&q=83)
Cirrus
Cirrus – lock or tuft of hair. Silky, wispy clouds that look like they’ve been swiped right (or left). These create a sunset. Height of base: 6,000–12,000m. Precipitation: None.
Cirrostratus
Cirrus – lock or tuft of hair; stratus – flattened or spread out. Transparent clouds that can cover thousands of kilometers of sky. Resemble stripes on a painting. Height of base: 6,000–12,000m. Precipitation: None.
![Cumulus cloud](https://images.ctfassets.net/0bpmscdd11bd/3eGketSKyHo0YajE0aPIYm/6a65f216283f3884fa18221e0c05efaa/Cumulus-unsplash.jpg?w=1000&h=1500&fm=webp&q=83)
Cumulus
Cumulus – heap. Cotton candy, cauliflower-types, often with a dark base. Height: 400–2,000m. Precipitation: Occasional rain or snow showers.
![Cloud Cumulonimbus](https://images.ctfassets.net/0bpmscdd11bd/5eVwPSMuUNfmF1jYZ3OMg5/8f90903a01d82f300c239bc2bfffbf9a/pexels-Cumulonimbus.jpg?w=1000&h=1333&fm=webp&q=83)
Cumulonimbus (“King of Clouds”)
Cumulus – heap; nimbus – rainy cloud. Multi-level towers. The only clouds that can produce thunder and lightning. Height: 300m-2,000m. Precipitation: Heavy rain and thunderstorms.
Nimbostratus
Nimbus – rainy cloud; stratus – flattened or spread out. Dark gray, can block the sun. In other words, bad news. Height of base: 700–3,500m. Precipitation: Continuous rain or snow likely.
![Cloud Altocumulus](https://images.ctfassets.net/0bpmscdd11bd/51DmULTfog6wwkjiTDjzhw/26e10577b46cd310baa1921ddb8b35e2/pexels-Altocumulus.jpg?w=1000&h=667&fm=webp&q=83)
Altocumulus
Altum – height; cumulus – heap. Patches of clouds in a range of shapes (think intro to The Simpsons). Height of base: 700-6,000m. Precipitation: None on its own.
Stratus
Stratus – flattened or spread out. Low hanging patches of clouds with fuzzy edges.Height: 0–2,000m. Precipitation: Light.
Altostratus clouds
Altum – height; stratus – flattened or spread out. Made of a mixture of water and ice crystals that allow sunlight to shine through them. Unlike with nimbostratus clouds, the sunlight is too weak to cast shadows. Height of base: 2,200–6,000m. Precipitation: None.
![Stratocumulus cloud](https://images.ctfassets.net/0bpmscdd11bd/1UaFQIJrG83Ycjcyohqpz3/c32b9e1de1061ad3102bd9f9ce563b6c/Stratocumulus-unsplash.jpg?w=1000&h=1333&fm=webp&q=83)
Stratocumulus
Stratus – flattened; cumulus – heap. Most common cloud type, masses of stratus, colors vary from bright white to gray. Height: 400–2,000m. Precipitation: Light drizzle.
Cirrocumulus
Cirrus – lock or tuft of hair; cumulus – heap. Rare. Small clouds grouped together high up on the sky like ripples. Height of base: 6,000–12,000m. Precipitation: None.
Text by Risto Pakarinen