Weather

Ask the meteorologist: What is the between stratus and cirrus clouds?

Stratus clouds typically form in the lower atmosphere, while cirrus clouds develop at higher altitudes.
Posted 2023-12-02T21:47:31+00:00 - Updated 2024-04-24T20:47:00+00:00
Photo from Austin brooks of cirrus clouds producing a cicumhorizontal arc on August 22, 2015.

Question: What is the difference between a cloud higher or lower in the sky? What are stratus and cirrus clouds? — Jayden Wilkins

Answer: Stratus clouds are smooth clouds that usually occur in the lowest few thousand feet of the atmosphere. They are typically composed of water droplets that can be above freezing or can exist at below freezing temperatures but still in liquid form (supercooled droplets).

Cirrus clouds exist at much higher altitudes (usually above 18,000 feet or so) and much colder temperatures. They are typically composed of tiny ice crystals instead of water droplets and often have a wispy or feathery appearance.

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