Cumulus mediocris cloud
| Cumulus mediocris cloud | |
|---|---|
Cumulus mediocris clouds over Auckland, with a light precipitation shaft visible in the distance under cumulus congestus clouds. | |
| Abbreviation | Cu med |
| Symbol | |
| Genus | Cumulus (heaped) |
| Species | Mediocris (moderate) |
| Variety |
|
| Altitude | 500–3000 m (1,500–10,000 ft) |
| Classification | Family C (Low-level) |
| Appearance | Low-altitude, medium height, tall as it is wide, fluffy heaps of clouds with cotton-like appearance. |
| Precipitation | Uncommon rain, snow or snow pellets, but it can develop into a cumulus congestus which has a greater chance of precipitation |
Cumulus mediocris is a low- to middle-level cloud with some vertical extent (Family D1) of the genus cumulus, taller than cumulus humilis. It also may exhibit small protuberances from the top and may show the cauliflower form characteristic of cumulus clouds.
Cumulus mediocris clouds do not generally produce precipitation of more than very light intensity, but can further develop into clouds such as cumulus congestus or cumulonimbus, which do produce precipitation and severe storms.
Cumulus mediocris is also classified as a low cloud and is coded CL2 by the World Meteorological Organization.