Nimbostratus clouds are formed when warm, moist air is gradually lifted over a large area, typically produced by a warm front. Warm fronts move much more slowly than cold fronts, resulting in a more gradual, gentle lifting of the moist, warm air.

What weather do nimbostratus clouds bring?

What weather is associated with nimbostratus clouds? These mid-level clouds are often accompanied by continuous moderate rain or snow and appear to cover most of the sky. Nimbostratus will often bring precipitation which may last for several hours until the associated front passes over.

When would you see a nimbostratus?

Nimbostratus is generally a sign of an approaching warm or occluded front producing steady moderate precipitation, as opposed to the shorter period of typically heavier precipitation released by a cold-frontal cumulonimbus cloud. Precipitation may last for several days, depending on the speed of the frontal system.