Cumulus Formation

• Cumulus clouds are known for being harmless, but under the right conditions, these clouds can grow into menacing monsters. These are characterized by the shape of the cloud as the bottom of the cloud appears flat while the top of the cloud looks fluffy. These clouds become menacing during temperature shifts as they trap moisture and expand which helps to create an unsettling weather situation.
  
  

Cumulus To Cumulonimbus

• Cumulus clouds make the transition to Cumulonimbus clouds when an excess of water vapor is stored. This is caused by a mixture of hot and cold air that mixes and creates moisture which becomes trapped in the cloud. The moisture causes the cloud to expand and to create an even greater excess of pressure, vapor, and water. Cumulus clouds transition to Cumulonimbus clouds pretty quickly, which can result in a surprising thunderstorm situation for the unsuspecting.
  
  

Cumulonimbus Traits

• Cumulonimbus clouds are much larger than the standard Cumulus clouds. They are often referred to as similar to cauliflower in appearance. Once water vapor latches onto these clouds, they multiply in size and exude lots of energy in the form of lighting and thunder, which is accompanied by the expulsion of water in the form of precipitation. These clouds generally have dark bases and lighter tops unless the saturated moisture completely blocks out the sun. Cumulonimbus clouds also are known for noticeably pointing in the direction that the storm is moving.
  
  

Growth

• Cumulonimbus clouds grow to such as massive size that they are generally anywhere from 200-500 meters above ground while they extend in height to more than 10,000 meters. These clouds are especially dangerous as they can compile a lot of water vapor and energy, which has nowhere to go except for expulsion.