Back to Directory
Altostratus
Mid-level, grayish or bluish sheet clouds.
Altostratus clouds are mid-level clouds that typically form a grayish or bluish sheet or layer of uniform or fibrous appearance. The sun or moon may be visible through thinner altostratus as if through ground glass.
Formation
Formed by the lifting of a large air mass, often ahead of a warm or occluded front, that condenses in the mid-levels of the troposphere.
Altitude
Middle (6,500 - 20,000 feet / 2,000 - 6,000 meters)
Precipitation
Light, continuous rain or snow, especially if the cloud layer thickens.
Visual Characteristics
- Grayish or bluish sheet or layer.
- Sun or moon may appear as if viewed through ground glass.
- No halo phenomena (distinguishes from cirrostratus).
- Can cover the entire sky or large portions of it.
Discover Clouds with Our App!
Identify clouds on the go with our AI-powered Cloud Identifier iOS app.
Take your cloud knowledge to the next level. Our intuitive app helps you identify cloud types using your phone's camera. Perfect for weather enthusiasts, students, and curious minds!
Download on the App Store