Cumulonimbus Capillatus
| Cumulonimbus capillatus | |
|---|---|
| Abbreviation | Cb cap. |
| Genus | Cumulonimbus (heap, cloud/severe rain) |
| Species | Capillatus (hair) |
| Classification | Family D (Vertically developed) |
| Appearance | Large cloud with hair -like cirriform anvil top |
| Precipitation cloud? | Yes, often intense |
A Cumulonimbus Capillatus (Latin Capillatus, "hair") is a sub-form of cumulonimbus incus and it is a cumulonimbus cloud which has reached the level of stratospheric stability and has formed the characteristic flat, anvil-top shape with dense cirrus clouds which makes the cloud's top looks like some hair. Cumulonimbus Capillatus, same as cumulonimbus incus can also grow into a supercell if the environment is favorable of supercells to form, such as a strong updraft, an unstable airflow which causes a rotating updraft to form inside the cloud etc.
Hazards
A Cumulonimbus Capillatus is a mature and powerful cumulonimbus cloud and can produce many dangerous and severe weather.
- Lightning; this is a strong thunderstorm cloud and it is capable of producing bursts of cloud to ground and cloud to cloud lightning.
- Hail; hailstones may fall from this cloud if it is in a highly unstable environment (which favors a more vigorous storm updraft).
- Heavy rain; the cloud may drop several inches of rain in a short amount of time. This can cause flash flooding
- Tornadoes; in severe cases (most commonly with supercells), this cloud can produce tornadoes.