| Stratus cloud | |
|---|---|
 Stratus nebulosus opacus cloud | |
| Abbreviation | St |
| Symbol |  |
| Genus | Stratus (layered) |
| Species |
|
| Variety |
|
| Altitude | 0-2,000 m (0-7,000 ft) |
| Classification | Family C (Low-level) |
| Appearance | Gray, featureless low-altitude cloud capable of ground contact. |
| Precipitation | Common Drizzle, freezing drizzle, Snow or snow grains[1] |
Stratus clouds are low-level clouds characterized by horizontal layering with a uniform base, as opposed to convective or cumuliform clouds formed by rising thermals. The term stratus describes flat, hazy, featureless clouds at low altitudes varying in color from dark gray to nearly white.[2] The word stratus comes from the Latin prefix Strato-, meaning "layer".[3] Stratus clouds may produce a light drizzle or a small amount of snow. These clouds are essentially above-ground fog formed either through the lifting of morning fog or through cold air moving at low altitudes. Some call these clouds "high fog" for their fog-like form.
- ^ "Tabular guide: Genus".
- ^ WMO 1975, p. 17, Definition of Clouds.
- ^ "Cloud Classification". National Weather Service. Retrieved 2 January 2014.