Mamma Cloud

Mamma arise when cool, moist air subsides from the cloud, while slightly drier, clear air rises in the intervening spaces. The shape varies from spherical to long, contorted tubes or ridges to a shallow, scalloped effect.

Cumulus Cloud

Cumulus are easy to recognise. They are fluffy clouds which float across the sky on a fine day and are known as 'fair weather clouds'

Altocumulus Cloud

Altocumulus is a medium level cloud, which occurs as individual, rounded masses with clear sky between them. It may appear in small, isolated patches but it is often an extensive layer.

Cirrus Cloud

Cirrus is a high level cloud, consisting of ice-crystals. The crystal are falling from denser heads where the crystals are forming. Wind speeds are much faster at these cloud heights which cause this streaky shape.

Cumulus Congestus

Heaped cumulus which are growing extremely vigorous. They may be fairly narrow vertical towers but generally they have a wide base. On a rare occasion these may give rise to a shower.

Nimbostratus

This is a dark grey cloud with a ragged base. It is the main rain-bearing cloud in many frontal systems. Rain varies from light to extremely heavy. It may cease and then return until the whole frontal system passes away.