What does stratocumulus mean?
Stratocumulus is a low-level cloud genus characterized by white or mostly white patches, rolls, or groups of cloud elements arranged in lines or layers. Its clouds often have flat bases, broad horizontal forms, and gaps that may reveal blue sky. The type can cover much of the sky and sometimes produces light rain or drizzle, although it is not normally associated with heavy precipitation. Stratocumulus is distinct from the more uniform altostratus and the higher cirrostratus. The word is especially useful in meteorology, aviation, and descriptions of changing coastal or maritime skies, where the cloud’s layered shape is often more noticeable than its weather significance.
nounA low, extensive cloud layer composed of white or mostly white patches, rolls, or broader elements arranged in groups or lines, often with gaps. Stratocumulus clouds generally have a flat base and may produce light precipitation.
- A low cloud genus consisting of broad patches, rolls, or groups of cloud elements, usually with a flat base and often covering much of the sky.
"The morning was clear, but a broad bank of stratocumulus moved in from the west."
"Low stratocumulus spread across the harbor, obscuring the hills beyond."
"The forecast called for stratocumulus and a chance of light rain by afternoon."
"Sunlight broke through openings in the stratocumulus during the hike."
The cloud genus name is normally used in the singular when referring to the cloud type; plural usage is uncommon and can be avoided by referring to stratocumulus clouds.
"Stratocumulus clouds formed along the cold front."
Stratocumulus is the low-level cloud that can turn a clear morning into a dramatic ceiling of rolling grey-white formations.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does stratocumulus come from?
Stratocumulus is a compound formed from Latin-derived cloud terminology: stratum, referring to a layer, and cumulus, referring to a heap or accumulation of cloud. The cloud name follows the International Cloud Atlas classification system, which uses Latin-based names to describe the principal forms and genera of clouds. Its two components also relate to stratus and stratiform, both of which describe layered clouds.
How stratocumulus is actually used
In meteorological usage, the term is normally lowercase when naming the cloud type, while the formal cloud-genus name is capitalized. It is more common in formal weather and aviation contexts than in everyday speech.
Easily confused with stratocumulus
Stratocumulus is a low-level cloud type, whereas cirrostratus is a high-level, thin, usually featureless cloud sheet.
Stratocumulus has distinct grouped, rolled, or lumpy elements, while altostratus forms a more uniform cloud layer.