Copyright 1991 by Bruce McMillan
Stratus means "spread out" in Latin, and Stratus clouds are a blanket of gray clouds. These clouds are located at a low altitude of less than 5,000 feet. Stratus clouds often form when a front of warm, moist air meets a body of cold, dry air. In the picture above, the stratus clouds are following a snow shower. These clouds have warmed the air, so that the snow shower changed into flurries. Rain and drizzle can also be produced by Stratus clouds.