Cumulonimbus clouds can also occur as dangerous winter storms called "thundersnow" which are associated with particularly intense snowfall rates and with blizzard conditions when accompanied by strong winds that further reduce visibility.

Types of Winter Precipitation Snow. Most precipitation that forms in wintertime clouds starts out as snow because the top layer of the storm is usually cold enough to create snowflakes. Snowflakes are just collections of ice crystals that cling …

Aug 1, 2023 · Learn about the different types of clouds, how to identify them, and discover the weather they forecast in this comprehensive cloud guide.

Feb 20, 2025 · Cirrostratus clouds are thin, white clouds that cover the whole sky like a veil. These clouds are most commonly seen in the winter, and can cause the appearance of a halo around the sun or the moon. Weather prediction: Rain or snow will arrive within 24 hours!

Most precipitation that forms in wintertime clouds starts out as snow because the top layer of the storm is usually cold enough to create snowflakes. Snowflakes are just collections of ice crystals that cling to each other as they fall toward the ground.

Winter storms begin with moist air rising up into the atmosphere, which is necessary for cloud formation and precipitation just like for other types of storms. Rising air is common at a cold front, where warm air is lifted above cold air, and can also happen as …

Cirrocumulus clouds are usually seen in the winter and indicate fair, but cold weather. In tropical regions, they may indicate an approaching hurricane. "Alto" Clouds

WINTER STORM WATCH - Alerts the public to the possibility of a blizzard, heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet. Winter Storm Watches are usually issued 12 to 48 hours before the beginning of a winter storm.

In a typical wintertime warm front, high clouds (cirrus, cirrostratus) occur far ahead of the front, followed by middle clouds (altocumulus, altostratus), then by low clouds (stratus, nimbostratus) near the front.

Three basic ingredients are necessary to make a winter storm: Cold air. Below freezing temperatures in the clouds and near the ground are necessary to make snow and/or ice. Lift. Something to raise the moist air to form the clouds and cause precipitation. An example of lift is warm air colliding with cold air and being forced to rise over the ...