What is Altostratus?
A middle cloud type within the B family in the international cloud classification. These clouds consist of water droplets and sometimes ice crystals. In mid-latitudes, the cloud base varies between 15,000 and 20,000 feet. They can range in color from white to gray and bluish. Altostratus clouds can be fibrous or layered and may occasionally form a thick layer that obscures the sun and moon. The halo phenomenon is not observed with this cloud type. It is a good indicator of precipitation or a precursor to a storm. Virga-type clouds fall into this category. They are often formed by variations in low altostratus. They can cause light rain and snowfall. Subtypes of altostratus include opacus, precipitans, and translucidus.
Glossary
A sudden and rapid flow of snow masses accumulated on the slopes of mountainous areas under the influence of gravity or a...
An image on the weather radar that is convex to the direction of movement and resembles an arc shape, caused by mesoscale...
Nor'easter is a meteorological event commonly observed in the Northeastern United States and typically occurs during the...
The process by which a solid changes directly into a gas without first becoming a liquid, such as ice turning into water...
The scientific study of climate, focusing on the analysis of long-term weather patterns and trends over time.
The upward movement of air caused by a topographic barrier, such as a mountain, which can lead to cloud formation and precipitation.
The narrow region between 35-40 ° N and S latitudes in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, lying between the tropical...
A cloud that develops from Cirrus, completely or partially covering the sky, creating a halo effect, thin, sheet-like, milky...
An instrument that continuously records atmospheric pressure over time. It uses a barometer to measure pressure and creates...
The branch of science dealing with the laws of motion of air or other gases.
Schedule a Demo Today
A new era is starting with fundamentally new forecasting with unprecedented precision!
Contact Us