What's the name of dark gray puffy clouds that bring rain - sunshowers?

Question

I need to know the name of those dark gray clouds that you see up in the sky in a cluster, on one of those days when the sun is out..they type of clouds that create a short shower and a rainbow afterward. thanks!

Answer 1

I think you are referring to cumulus clouds based on the visual description.

Answer 2

RE:
What's the name of dark gray puffy clouds that bring rain - sunshowers?
I need to know the name of those dark gray clouds that you see up in the sky in a cluster, on one of those days when the sun is out..they type of clouds that create a short shower and a rainbow afterward. thanks!

Answer 3

Sounds reasonable. I would have said that rain clouds are thicker and that each little particle of water absorbs some tiny amount of light. Thicker clouds have more water particles, and so absorb more light, and hence appear darker. But I suspect my theory only works if the sun is directly above the cloud. I had never heard that the water particles in rain clouds are bigger than in normal clouds, but that certainly makes sense -- they have to be in the process of getting bigger to form rain drops. And if that's the case, your theory makes more sense. It could also be that larger water particles have a different index of refraction. Maybe instead of absorbing the light, it is simply refracting it in a different direction.

Answer 4

They are called as Nimbus Clouds, or the Cumulonimbus, which cause the thunderstorms and precipitation (rainfall).

There are 3 types of clouds based on the formation:
1. Cumulus (which are huge cloud groups)
2. Cirrus (circular formation)
3. Stratus (which are serrated formation)

Also, the cloulds are classified based on the height they form.

Please refer to the following site for precise information:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clouds

Answer 5

Nimbostratus Clouds
dark, low-level clouds with precipitation
Nimbostratus are dark, low-level clouds accompanied by light to moderately falling precipitation. Low clouds are primarily composed of water droplets since their bases generally lie below 6,500 feet (2,000 meters). However, when temperatures are cold enough, these clouds may also contain ice particles and snow.

Answer 6

krissy454 was right. Its nimbostratus. Anything with "nimbo" in it means rain. There can be other types of rain clouds like what everyone else is saying, but i think your talking about nimbostratus.

Answer 7

Hello, I believe that those types of clouds are called "Cumulus."