Cumulonimbus capillatus

A cumulonimbus capillatus is a cumulonimbus cloud with dense cirrus clouds above it, making the cloud top appear to contain hair-like structures. The name comes from the Latin word capillatus, meaning "with hair".[1]

Cumulonimbus capillatus
AbbreviationCb cap.
Symbol
AltitudeGround to 23,000 m
(75,000 ft)
AppearanceDark-based storm cloud capable of impressive vertical growth, with a fibrous upper portion
PrecipitationVery often 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.

References


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