Weather Dictionary / Glossary of Terms

Cirrus


   Weather TermDescription / Definition
   Cirrus (abbrev. CI) High-level clouds (16,000 feet or higher), composed of ice crystals and appearing in the form of white, delicate filaments or white or mostly white patches or narrow bands. Cirrus clouds typically have a fibrous or hairlike appearance, and often are semi-transparent. Thunderstorm anvils are a form of cirrus cloud, but most cirrus clouds are not associated with thunderstorms.


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Data courtesy of NOAA - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration