Common Clouds

There are many types of clouds. They are identified by their shape. Some are high in the sky. Others are lower. Here are four types of clouds.

Thin and Wispy

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

Thick and Puffy

Cumulonimbus clouds hold rain. This makes them darker at the bottom. They are closer to the ground.

Cotton Balls

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

Wide Layers

Stratus clouds often cause drizzling rain. They cover the sky on foggy, rainy days. They might look like a gray sheet.