Cumulonimbus capillatus
A cumulonimbus capillatus is a cumulonimbus cloud with dense cirrus clouds which makes the cloud's top appear to contain hair-like structures. The name comes from the Latin, capillatus, meaning "with hair".[1]
| Cumulonimbus capillatus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Abbreviation | Cb cap. |
| Symbol |  |
| Variety | None |
| Altitude | Ground to 23,000 m (75,000 ft) |
| Classification | Family D (Vertically developed) |
| Appearance | Dark-based storm cloud capable of impressive vertical growth with a fibrous upper portion. |
| Precipitation | Very common Rain, Snow, Snow pellets or Hail, heavy at times |
It is an intermediate stage between cumulonimbus calvus and cumulonimbus incus.
Hazards
A cumulonimbus capillatus is a mature and powerful cumulonimbus cloud and can produce multiple severe weather.
- Lightning; this is a strong thunderstorm cloud and it is capable of producing bursts of cloud to ground and cloud to cloud lightning.
- Hail; hailstones may fall from this cloud if it is in a highly unstable environment (which favors a more vigorous storm updraft).
- Heavy rain; the cloud may drop several inches of rain in a short amount of time. This can cause flash flooding.
- Strong wind; gale-force winds from a downburst may occur under this cloud.
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