Nimbostratus cloud
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| Abbreviation | Ns |
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| Symbol |  |
| Genus | Nimbo- (cloud) -stratus (layered) |
| Species | cloud |
| Variety | cloudy |
| Altitude | below 2,400 m (below 8,000 ft) |
| Classification | Family C (Low-level) |
| Appearance | formless layer |
| Precipitation Cloud? | Yes |
A Nimbostratus is a cloud of the class characterized by a formless layer that is almost uniformly dark gray; it is a rain cloud of the layer type, of low altitude, usually below 8000 ft (2400 m). Nimbostratus clouds completely block the sunlight as a result of its characteristic dense structure. Nimbostratus clouds stratus, altostratus and cirrostratus all have a smooth gray appearance. Nimbostratus clouds usually bring precipitation. These clouds are usaully made from warmer weather. Other typical precipitation-bearing clouds are cumulonimbus. The fractus cloud movement is slow and uniform under nimbostratus.
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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 |
