Cloud Types

High Level Clouds Cirrus

Cirrus is a high level cloud typically between 18,000 to 24,000ft above ground. The appearance is white wispy cloud during the day with a white sheen. During early morning or during the evening they tend to take on the color of the sunset or sunrise. Cirrus are also known as Mares Tales. The shape of the Cirrus cloud follow the flow of the air.

Cirrocumulus

Cirrocumulus are high level cloud-lets which group together at high levels typically between 20,000ft to 40,000ft. They are composed of mostly of ice often forming ripples but unlike other some other cloud types don’t have any shading. They are also fairly rare.

Cirrostratus

Cirrostratus are another high level cloud which are transparent and often the only indication of their presence is a halo around the sun or moon. They cover large areas of the sky and can be fibrous or smooth in nature. Unlike Nimbus stratus when the sun shines through them a shadow will still be cast. These high level clouds tend to be found between 18,000 and 24,000ft.