Who Is a Cumulonimbus Cloud?

Cumulonimbus clouds are menacing looking multi-level clouds, extending high into the sky in towers or plumes. More commonly known as thunderclouds, cumulonimbus is the only cloud type that can produce hail, thunder and lightning.

How can you identify a cumulonimbus cloud?

The character of the precipitation may help to distinguish Cumulonimbus from Nimbostratus. If the precipitation is of the showery type, or if it is accompanied by lightning, thunder or hail, the cloud is Cumulonimbus. Certain Cumulonimbus clouds appear nearly identical with Cumulus congestus.

What is an example of cumulonimbus?

Here are some examples of cumulus clouds: Cumulonimbus clouds are thunderstorm clouds that form if cumulus congestus clouds continue to grow vertically. Their dark bases may be no more than 300 m (1000 ft) above the Earth's surface. ... Lightning, thunder, and even violent tornadoes are associated with the cumulonimbus.