Cumulus congestus cloud
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| Symbol |  |
|---|---|
| Genus | Cumulus |
| Species | congestus |
| Altitude | up to 5,000 m (up to 15,000 ft) |
| Classification | Family D (Vertically developed) |
| Appearance | sharp outlines and great vertical development |
| Precipitation Cloud? | Usually yes |
Cumulus congestus clouds are characteristic of unstable areas of the atmosphere which are undergoing convection. They are often characterized by sharp outlines and great vertical development. Because cumulus congestus is produced by strong updrafts, it is typically taller than it is wide, and cloud tops can reach 5,000 metres (15,000 ft). Cumulus congestus clouds are formed by the development of cumulus mediocris generally, though they can also be formed from altocumulus castellanus or stratocumulus castellanus as well.
Cumulus congestus will mature into cumulus calvus under conditions of sufficient instability. This transformation can be seen by the presence of smooth, fibrous, or striated aspects assumed by the cloud's upper part. This cloud type produces precipitation, often in abundance. The congestus species of cloud can only be found in the genus cumulus.
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| High Clouds (Family A): | Cirrus (Ci) • Cirrus uncinus • Cirrus Kelvin-Helmholtz colombia • Cirrostratus (Cs) • Cirrocumulus (Cc) • Pileus • Contrail |
| Middle Clouds (Family B): | Altostratus (As) • Altostratus undulatus • Altocumulus (Ac) • Altocumulus undulatus • Altocumulus mackerel sky • Altocumulus castellanus cloud • Altocumulus lenticularis |
| Low Clouds (Family C): | Stratus (St) • Nimbostratus (Ns) • Cumulus humilis (Cu) • Cumulus mediocris (Cu) • Stratocumulus (Sc) |
| Vertical Clouds (Family D): | Cumulonimbus (Cb) • Cumulonimbus incus • Cumulonimbus calvus • Cumulonimbus with mammatus • Cumulus congestus • Pyrocumulus • Pyrocumulonimbus |
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