Stratus Clouds

weather · clouds · sky

Flat and featureless. Stratus clouds look like a uniform gray or white sheet stretched across the sky with no bumps or details, which is why they're named after the word meaning 'layer.'

Super low altitude. These clouds form at very low heights, often just a few hundred feet above the ground, making them some of the closest clouds you'll ever see.

Might bring drizzle. While they don't usually produce heavy rain, stratus clouds can create a light drizzle or even a small amount of snow on dreary days.

Basically above-ground fog. Stratus clouds form when morning fog gets lifted up into the air by warm air rising, or when cold air moves slowly over warm water and creates clouds at low levels.