Cumulus congestus? - Fingers of the Encroaching Night...

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

According to the Cloud Book, cumulus humilis is wider than it is tall - but this cloud only looked like that on the horizon, and it was getting bigger, so it either was, or was becoming cumulus congestus? Why is it so tricky to figure out which cloud is what?!

"Cumulus cloud is known for its clearly defined edges and noticeable vertical development. The Latin term ‘cumulus’ is translated literally as ‘pile’ or ‘heap.’ In terms of appearance, it can be described as cotton-like and puffy. Although it can appear alone at times, it can also come in clusters or lines. More often than not, it is a precursor to other cloud types like cumulonimbus, particularly when affected by different factors like temperature gradient, moisture and instability." (DimensionsGuide.com)

So... it must be cumulus, right? And it's not got that fab anvil thing going to make it cumulonimbus (where apparently the summit changes from droplets to ice crystals, making it look softer at the top)... But presumably it could turn into a cumulonimbus cloud... but by then it was dark and I couldn't see... *g*

Anyway, I thought it was kind of dramatic... *g*