Stratus cloud

Stratus cloud
Stratus nebulosus opacus cloud
Abbreviation	St
Symbol
Genus	Stratus (layered)
Species	Fractus Nebulosus
Variety	Opacus Translucidus Undulatus
Altitude	0-2,000 m (0-7,000 ft)
Classification	Family C (Low-level)
Appearance	Gray, featureless low-altitude cloud capable of ground contact.
Precipitation	Common Drizzle, freezing drizzle, Snow or snow grains[1]

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.^[2] The word stratus comes from the Latin prefix strato-, meaning "layer".^[3] 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.