Altostratus

This is a photograph of altostratus clouds. Click on image for full size version (42K JPG) Cloud photos copyright 2000-2001 by Keith G. Diem. Used by permission.

Altostratus clouds belong to the Middle Cloud group. An altostratus cloud usually covers the whole sky. The cloud looks gray or blue-gray. The sun or moon may shine through an altostratus cloud, but will look like a watery or fuzzy blob.

An altostratus cloud usually forms ahead of storms that have a lot of rain or snow. Sometimes, rain will fall from an altostratus cloud. If the rain hits the ground, then the cloud is called a nimbostratus cloud.

This is a photograph of altostratus clouds. Click on image for full size version (42K JPG) Cloud photos copyright 2000-2001 by Keith G. Diem. Used by permission.

Altostratus belong to the Middle Cloud group (2000-7000m up). An altostratus cloud usually covers the whole sky and has a gray or blue-gray appearance. The sun or moon may shine through an altostratus cloud, but will appear watery or fuzzy.

An altostratus cloud usually forms ahead of storms with continuous rain or snow. Occasionally, rain will fall from an altostratus cloud. If the rain hits the ground, then the cloud becomes classified as a nimbostratus cloud.

This is a photograph of altostratus clouds. Click on image for full size version (42K JPG) Cloud photos copyright 2000-2001 by Keith G. Diem. Used by permission.

Altostratus clouds (weather symbol - As) consist of water and some ice crystals. They belong to the Middle Cloud group (2000-7000m up). An altostratus cloud usually covers the whole sky and has a gray or blue-gray appearance. The sun or moon may shine through an altostratus cloud, but will appear watery or fuzzy.

An altostratus cloud usually forms ahead of storms with continuous rain or snow. Occasionally, rain will fall from an altostratus cloud. If it hits the ground, then the cloud becomes classified as a nimbostratus cloud.