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stratus

Type of cloud

Also known as stratus cloud

Instance of: cloud type
Subclass of: low-level cloud
Website: cloudatlas.wmo.int/stratus-st.html

Overview

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia · Read full article · Text CC BY-SA 4.0

Stratus clouds are low-level clouds characterized by horizontal layering with a uniform base, as opposed to convective or cumuliform clouds formed by rising thermals. The term stratus describes flat, hazy, featureless clouds at low altitudes varying in color from dark gray to nearly white. The word stratus is derived from the prefix Strato- meaning 'layer'. Stratus clouds may produce a light drizzle or a small amount of snow. These clouds are essentially above-ground fog formed either through the lifting of morning fog or through cold air moving at low altitudes. Some call these clouds "high fog" for their fog-like form.

Overview

All data

22 statements · 18% with external sources · numbers in brackets are citations

Short name: St
Facet of: international cloud classification

On other databases

16 identifiers linking stratus across the web's reference databases

Data quality

statements

18%

externally sourced

Source last edited October 4, 2026. AIDB refreshes this page daily.

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AIDB. (2026). stratus (Q40526). Retrieved from https://aidb.si/e/stratus-Q40526