Clouds and Precipitation

Clouds can be important indicators of approaching precipitation events. There are several types of clouds that each form at different heights in the atmosphere. Cumulus, cirrus, and stratus clouds have different physical characteristics and are associated with different types of weather. All clouds form when water vapor condenses around particulate matter in the atmosphere. If the amount of water vapor is high enough, a precipitation event will occur. Precipitation takes many forms, including rain, snow, sleet, hail, rime, or glaze.