Cumulonimbus capillatus

Cumulonimbus capillatus
AbbreviationCb cap.
Symbol
AltitudeGround to 23,000 m
(75,000 ft)
AppearanceDark-based storm cloud capable of impressive vertical growth, with a fibrous upper portion
PrecipitationVery often rain, snow, snow pellets, or hail; heavy at times

A cumulonimbus capillatus is a cumulonimbus cloud with dense cirrus clouds above it, making the cloud top appear to contain hair-like structures. It is an intermediate stage between cumulonimbus calvus and cumulonimbus incus.

Etymology

The name comes from the Latin word capillatus, meaning "with hair".[1]

Hazards

A cumulonimbus capillatus is a mature and powerful cumulonimbus cloud and can produce multiple severe weather.[2]

  • Lightning:[3] this is a strong thunderstorm cloud and it is capable of producing bursts of cloud to ground and cloud to cloud lightning.
  • Hail:[3] hailstones may fall from this cloud if it is in a highly unstable environment (which favors a more vigorous storm updraft).
  • Heavy rain:[4] the cloud may drop several inches of rain in a short amount of time. This can cause flash flooding.
  • Strong wind:[3] gale-force winds from a downburst may occur under this cloud.
  • Weak to strong tornados can occur.
  • Wikimedia Commons logo Media related to Cumulonimbus capillatus at Wikimedia Commons

References

  1. ↑ "capillatus". Oxford Reference. Oxford University Press. Retrieved 2021-10-18.
  2. ↑ Korosec, Marko (2025-02-21). "Types of convective clouds – from fair-weather clouds to thunderstorms". Severe Weather Europe. Retrieved 2026-02-01.
  3. 1 2 3 "Cumulonimbus capillatus (Cb cap)". International Cloud Atlas. Retrieved 2026-05-26.
  4. ↑ "Cumulonimbus clouds". Met Office. Retrieved 2025-10-22.


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