stratocumulus

cloud

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Last updated

July 14, 2026

Quick Summary

Stratocumulus clouds are a type of cloud that forms a broad, low layer, often appearing as a more wintry version of the familiar puffy cumulus clouds. They spread out in a fairly flat layer and can sometimes be dense enough to cover most of the sky.1

Clouds, in general, are formed from the condensation of atmospheric moisture. These water particles grow and aggregate, eventually becoming large enough to fall as precipitation such as drizzle, rain, snow, ice crystals, or hail. The formation and appearance of clouds are influenced by air movements and the properties of the cloud particles. Stratocumulus clouds specifically can form when a stratus cloud layer develops a waved or humped appearance due to irregular convection within the layer.2

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atmosphere
Cloud formation within the troposphere
…are randomly distributed and as stratocumulus when they are organized into lines. Cumulus congestus clouds extend into the middle troposphere, while deep, precipitating cumuliform clouds that extend throughout the troposphere are called cumulonimbus. Cumulonimbus clouds are also called thunderstorms, since they usually have lightning and thunder associated with them. Cumulonimbus…
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…are randomly distributed and as stratocumulus when they are organized into lines. Cumulus congestus clouds extend into the middle troposphere, while deep, precipitating cumuliform clouds that extend throughout the troposphere are called cumulonimbus. Cumulonimbus clouds are also called thunderstorms, since they usually have lightning and thunder associated with them. Cumulonimbus…
Read More