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Stratus
Gray, featureless layer clouds, often bringing drizzle.
Stratus clouds are horizontal, layered clouds that form a gray, featureless sheet, often covering the entire sky like fog that doesn't reach the ground. They can produce light drizzle or snow.
Formation
Formed when weak, gentle upward air currents lift a layer of moist air over a large area, or when moist air blows over a cold surface (advection).
Altitude
Low (below 6,500 feet / 2,000 meters)
Precipitation
Light drizzle, light snow, or ice prisms.
Visual Characteristics
- Uniform grey or whitish layer.
- Often resembles fog that is not on the ground.
- Can obscure the sun or moon, giving a 'watery' appearance.
- Edges are often diffuse.
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