Cumulus Humilis Cloud
Cumulus humilis is a cumuliform cloud with little vertical extent that is commonly referred to as "fair weather cumulus". It is generally classified as a low cloud, but in hot countries and over mountainous terrain these clouds occur at up to 6,000 m (20,000 ft) altitude. Elsewhere they are typically found lower levels (500–3000 m (1,500–10,000 ft)).
They are formed by rising warm air that has been heated by the ground, which in turn has been heated by the sun. They have a limited depth (technically known as showing no significant vertical development). This indicates that the temperature in the atmosphere above them either drops off very slowly or not at all with altitude (see Lapse rate). Cumulus humilis may be accompanied by other cloud types, and they are commonly seen beneath cirrostratus cloud, created as the heat from the sun needed for convection begins to cool, causing cumuliform clouds to flatten and become cumulus humilis. In this case, a warm front could be approaching and this means rain is likely in the next 12 to 24 hours. When they appear in a clear sky (see picture), they are an indicator of pleasant weather for the next several hours.
Air below the cloud base can be quite turbulent, giving occupants of light aircraft an uncomfortable ride. To avoid turbulence where such clouds are present, pilots may climb above the cloud tops. However, glider pilots actively seek out the rising air to gain altitude.
Read more about Cumulus Humilis Cloud: Forecasting
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