Stratocumulus Cloud

A Stratocumulus Cloud is part of a group of clouds characterized by being large, dark, rounded masses, and usually in groups, lines, or waves. These clouds are larger than altocumuli and are at a lower altitude near 2,400m (8,000 ft). Weak convective currents create shallow cloud layers because of drier, stable, air above preventing continued vertical development. Stratocumuli clouds rarely produce precipitation, but when they do it is usually in the form of light rain or snow only. However, these clouds are often seen in front or at the end of bad weather. They help to indicate storms to come in the form of thunderheads or gusty winds. (Photos taken on June 18th while camping in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin)