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Centre for Atmospheric Science

Stratus Cloud

Stratus Cloud
Usually forms between the surface and 2,000ft, but cloud base can be up to 4,000ft. Thick stratus can produce considerable precipitation, particularly in hilly or coastal regions, though in some cases this precipitation may be falling from higher clouds such as nimbostratus. While thick stratus will obscure the sun or moon, they are clearly visible through thin stratus.