Congestus

Definition

A species of cumulus that is strongly developed, with sprouting or cauliflower-like tops and a vertical extent clearly greater than its width. It is the largest cumulus form and the immediate precursor of cumulonimbus.

Field note

Congestus is the doorway to a thunderstorm. Two signs that the doorway is being walked through: the top becomes fibrous and hard instead of cauliflower, and the base goes dark and uniform.

Related terms

• Cumulus · Cumulus
• Mediocris · mediocris
• Cumulonimbus · Cumulonimbus