Skip to main content

Cirrostratus clouds

Cirrostratus clouds

Cirrostratus cloud are thin, layered, can cover the entire sky and formed from ice crystals.

Characteristics.

Cirrostratus are transparent high clouds which can produce a halo effect. The halo is made from white or coloured rings, spots or arcs of light circling the Sun or Moon and can be the only indication that Cirrostratus clouds are in the sky. Cirrostratus cover large areas of the sky, spaning thousands of miles.

Cirrostratus are either filimented, smooth or fibrous and are often seen fringed with cirrus clouds. Cirrostratus clouds are thin enough that shadows can still be cast by the Sun unlike altostratus clouds which are just too thick to allow the sun to cast a shadow.

What's in a name?

cirrus - lock or tuft of hair. Stratus - to spread out, extend, flatten, layer.

How was it made?

Cirrostratus clouds can form as a result of slowly rising air. Generated at the leading edge of frontal weather systems, cirrostratus movements of are a good predictor of what the weather will do in the next day.

Cirrostratus clouds also form from the vapour trails, contrails as aircraft fly through the dry upper troposphere. The contrails spread out and become cirrus, cirrostratus and cirrocumulus clouds.

What weather will you have if these are overhead?

Cirrostratus donot produce rain or snow. If cirrostratus nebulosus is seen an incoming warm front could bring persistent rain within a day. Cirrostratus fibratus on the other hand will be followed by stratus meaning only light drizzle.

How high is it?

Anywhere from 7,000m (20,000ft) up to 13,000m (40,000 ft).

The outcome for you.

Dry and some sun but may be wet tomorrow.

I do hope you have enjoyed this article and hope that you will subscribe to my newsletter so you can get the latest information about all things naturally relaxing.

Stay in touch, join the Naturally Relaxing Newsletter

Newsletter Signup

Please enable the javascript to submit this form

Post Your Comments

Write comments...
or post as a guest
Loading comment... The comment will be refreshed after 00:00.

Be the first to comment.


Latest articles in Weather

Winter Getaways: Escape the Chill with These Enchanting Winter Destinations
Winter, with its crisp air and serene landscapes, casts a unique spell over travel enthusiasts. W...
Embrace Autumn's Coziness: Finding Comfort in the Magic of the Season
As the verdant hues of summer gradually yield to the rich, warm colours of autumn, we enter a sea...
Understanding Seasons: Discover the Symbolic Meanings of the Four Seasons
In the grand tapestry of life, the changing seasons bring not only a shift in the natural world b...
Essential Tips for Staying Cool and Safe During a Scorching Heat Wave
Summer is here, and with it comes the scorching heat that can make even the most resilient of us ...
Summer Survival Guide: How to Stay Cool and Comfortable During Work Hours
Are you feeling the heat as the summer months approach? Don't let soaring temperatures dampen you...