Cumulonimbus clouds are the primary cloud type associated with severe weather.
Understanding Cumulonimbus Clouds
Cumulonimbus clouds are massive, towering clouds that are responsible for severe thunderstorms. They are characterized by their anvil shape and are capable of producing a wide range of hazardous weather phenomena. As noted by the Met Office and multiple other sources, these clouds are associated with:
- Heavy torrential downpours: Intense rainfall in short periods.
- Hail storms: The formation of ice pellets of varying sizes.
- Lightning: Powerful electrical discharges within the cloud or between the cloud and the ground.
- Tornadoes: Violent rotating columns of air.
The Fox Weather article highlights cumulonimbus clouds as a common sight during severe storms, emphasizing their significant role in inclement weather. The information from Weather.gov further supports this, mentioning "wall clouds," a localized lowering from a strong thunderstorm's base, indicating a powerful updraft within a cumulonimbus cloud system.
While other cloud types can contribute to precipitation or less severe weather, cumulonimbus clouds consistently represent the most significant threat of severe weather conditions. The Climavision article even mentions that green-tinged clouds often precede severe thunderstorms.
It's crucial to note that while low-pressure systems are often associated with stormy weather (as suggested by Reddit's r/flying and Pilots of America discussions), the actual cloud responsible for the visible bad weather is, specifically, the cumulonimbus cloud.
