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Meteorology
3.6.2.4 Nimbus – precipitation clouds
These are thick, dark clouds with vertical development. They have a large
vertical extent, potentially reaching from near the surface to over 10,000 km.
They form a low, dense cloud base and can cover large areas, bringing
prolonged rain, snow, or other precipitation, often with turbulence.
• NS = Nimbostratus
o Thick St layer, often from below 6,000 feet to 25,000 feet.
o Ice crystals at the top, water droplets at the bottom.
o Daytime rain.
o Light to moderate turbulence.
o Variable icing.
• CB = Cumulonimbus
o Thick St layer, often from below 6,000 feet to over 30,000 feet.
o Ice crystals at the top, water droplets at the bottom.
o Turbulence.
o Icing.
o Hail.
o Severe rain.
o Strong winds from changing directions.
o Thunder and lightning.
So be careful when you are close to such clouds.
Here is a
schematic
diagram of
the different
cloud types –
their shape,
height, and
extent.
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Flight Theory PPL(A)(UL)/LAPL Henning Andersen, Midtjysk Flyveskole© 2025 280
