How to Identify Storm Clouds

Storm clouds, or cumulonimbus clouds, are fairly easy to identify if you know what to look for, as well as when and where you are most likely to find them.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Know that storm clouds are most common in afternoons during the spring and summer months. You'll often see them along front lines, near oceans or in mountainous regions.

2. Understand the altitude and base heights of storm clouds. Cumulonimbus clouds are very tall clouds and can be seen at altitudes of 2,000 to 15,000 meters. The base height of cumulonimbus clouds varies depending on the environment. In humid regions, the base height of a cumulonimbus cloud can range from approximately 610 to 1200 m or higher. In dry regions, the base height of a cumulonimbus cloud can be as high as 3000 to 4600 m.

3. Observe the overall appearance of a cumulonimbus cloud. These clouds are often shaped like mushrooms and have been said to resemble cauliflower. They are very dense clouds that grow vertically instead of horizontally. The base of a cumulonimbus cloud can be up to 10 km across.

4. Pay attention to the top of a cumulonimbus cloud. The top of the cloud consists of ice crystals. This gives it a fibrous appearance. If the cloud is well developed, the cloud top will be flat and shaped like an anvil. This anvil shape typically will point in the direction the storm is headed.

5. Take note of the effects of a storm cloud. Storm clouds often produce heavy rain, high winds, lightning and thunder.

Tips & Warnings

• The base of a well developed storm cloud is often dark in color.
• Precipitation always falls from storm clouds such as cumulonimbus clouds. However, this precipitation does not always reach the ground. It may evaporate before hitting the ground.
• Storm clouds may be seen with other clouds in the sky.
• Meteorologists often abbreviate cumulonimbus clouds as Cb.