Nimbostratus
6,500 - 10,000 ft base, but extends much higher (2,000 - 3,000 m)
“The rain fell alike upon the just and upon the unjust”— Matthew 5:45
Nimbostratus is the rain cloud, pure and simple. It's the thick, dark, formless mass that settles over the sky and proceeds to deliver exactly what it promises: steady, persistent precipitation that can last for hours or even days.
There's no drama with nimbostratus, no spectacular lightning or rolling thunder. Just grey, relentless, business-like rain (or snow, depending on the temperature). It's the cloud equivalent of a long Monday—not exciting, but undeniably present.
This cloud often extends through multiple atmospheric layers, from middle altitudes down toward the surface. Its base is typically so ragged and diffuse that it's hard to tell exactly where the cloud ends and the falling rain begins.
things worth knowing
- Nimbostratus often spans the entire depth of the troposphere, from near the surface to high altitudes
- "Nimbus" comes from the Latin word for rain cloud
- This cloud type can produce continuous precipitation for 12 hours or more
- The base is typically obscured by falling precipitation, making accurate height measurement difficult
weather wisdom
Continuous moderate to heavy rain or snow, often lasting many hours