Home / Cloud Types / Low-level Clouds / Nimbostratus

A Nimbostratus is a cloud of the class characterized by a formless layer that is almost uniformly dark gray; it is a rain cloud of the layer type, of low altitude, usually below 8000 ft (2400 m). Nimbostratus clouds completely block the sunlight. Compare nimbostratus clouds with stratus, altostratus and cirrostratus. Nimbostratus clouds usually bring precipitation.

Other typical precipitation-bearing clouds are cumulonimbus.