Altostratus (As) – Derekscope

Altostratus ~ Mid-Level Clouds
Heights in metres: between 2,000 metres and 6,000 metres, like altocumulus.
Height in feet: between 6,500 feet and 20,000 feet.
Height in miles: between 1.2 miles and 3½ miles.
Height in kilometres: between 2km and 6km.

Altostratus
– They form a gray or bluish-gray sheet or layer that usually covers the entire sky, making the sun or moon appear as a dull, watery disk.
– Unlike altocumulus, they don’t have distinct puffy shapes.
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Key features of Altostratus clouds
– Usually indicate overcast conditions and can bring continuous rain or snow, especially if they thicken into nimbostratus clouds.
– They form when a large mass of moist air rises gradually, creating a uniform cloud deck rather than individual cloudlets.
– Morning altocumulus clouds can hint at possible thunderstorms later in the day, especially in summer.
– If they thicken, they may precede rain or snow, though usually not heavy precipitation.
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Simple way to remember
– Gray, uniform mid-level layer.
– Altocumulus = patchy, puffy mid-level clouds.
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