Nimbostratus (Ns)


Source: http://met.no/met/met_lex/q_u/skyer/nimbostratus/index.html

Level: Below 6,500 ft.

Composition: Water

Typical Conditions: Steady light to moderate precipitation. If the precipitation is heavy or intermittent/showery, it must be the result of a cumulus-type cloud, not nimbostratus. These clouds are normally seen over a relatively wide area receiving precipitation.

Appearance: Medium to dark gray layer with a fairly uniform base, although there are often some bumps or rolls within the layer. Unlike altostratus, the sun is not visible at all under nimbostratus.