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Common Clouds

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Clouds come in many forms. They are named after their shape and how high in the sky they are. Get the scoop on four types of clouds.

Thin and Feathery

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When it’s nice out, you might see cirrus clouds. They are high in the sky. Some people say they look like hair.

Thick and Puffy

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Cumulonimbus clouds hold rain. They are closer to the ground.

Cotton Balls

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WARREN BOLSTER—GETTY IMAGES

Cumulus clouds are seen on sunny days. They are puffy. They are fairly low in the sky.

Long Layers

vlad romensky—getty images

VLAD ROMENSKY—GETTY IMAGES

On foggy, rainy days, flat layers of stratus clouds cover the sky. They often cause drizzling rain