Nimbostratus

Definition

A genus of thick, dark, featureless cloud layer producing continuous, moderate precipitation. It has no clearly defined base, and the sun is never visible through it.

Field note

Reported ceilings under nimbostratus are a visibility threshold, not a condensation level, and are often much lower than the true cloud base. Rain from it typically lasts 6 to 18 hours.

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Nimbostratus: the cloud that rains for a day

Nimbostratus is a thick, dark, featureless layer that produces steady, continuous rain or snow over a wide area for hours. It has no distinct base you can measure, no elements, and no visible structure. It is the cloud that ruins weekends, and it is also the cloud that fills reservoirs.

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Related terms

• Altostratus · Altostratus
• Praecipitatio · praecipitatio
• Stratus · Stratus