C_L7 Stratus/Cumulus fractus bad weather

Click the small image for full size version.

Gallery
© C.S. Broomfield	© C.S. Broomfield
© C.S. Broomfield

These ragged shreds of low cloud always appear in association with other clouds, for a short time before, during and a short time after precipitation. They often form beneath lowering altostratus or nimbostratus (top left photograph). They also occur beneath cumulonimbus and precipitating cumulus and are collectively known as pannus or 'scud'. These clouds are often seen to increase and merge into a more or less continuous layer (top right), sometimes obscuring the sky above. They appear dark or grey against the lighter grey of the cloud above and generally move quickly across the sky, changing shape rapidly. An example (cumulus fractus) is shown at bottom left.

Classification
Description: Ragged Stratus or Cumulus associated with precipitation, usually below Altostratus or Nimbostratus.	Designation: CH=7 (C7)
	Latin name: Stratus fractus (St fra) or Cumulus fractus (Cu fra) - pannus.

Related pages: Cloud classification | C_L guide | C_M guide | C_H guide | Cloud index