Blanket clouds, also known as stratus clouds, are low-lying clouds that appear as a large, gray sheet covering the sky.
Understanding Stratus Clouds
Here's a breakdown of what these "blanket" clouds mean:
- Appearance: Stratus clouds look like a flat, featureless, gray blanket that stretches across the sky. The word "stratus" actually comes from the Latin word for "layer," reflecting their layered appearance.
- Altitude: These clouds are found at low altitudes, typically below 6,500 feet (2,000 meters).
- Precipitation: Stratus clouds are often associated with light precipitation.
- Warm temperatures: If it's warm, they may produce a light drizzle.
- Cold temperatures: If it's cold, they can bring light snow.
Key Features of Blanket Clouds
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Flat, gray, featureless, like a blanket |
| Altitude | Low, usually below 6,500 feet (2,000 meters) |
| Precipitation | Light drizzle in warm weather, light snow in cold |
| Latin Meaning | Stratus means "layer" |
In summary
When you see a gray, low-hanging "blanket" of clouds, you are most likely looking at stratus clouds, and you might expect some light drizzle or snow depending on the temperature.
