Fractus

Definition

A cloud species made up of ragged, broken shreds with no well-defined base, usually seen in stratus and cumulus. The shreds are the remains of a cloud that is being torn apart by wind or that is evaporating.

Field note

Cumulus fractus in the early morning is a normal first stage of the day's convection. Fractus appearing underneath a dark frontal base is pannus and means rain within the hour.

Related terms

• Cumulus · Cumulus
• Stratus · Stratus
• Pannus · pannus