Hazardous cloud
| Cumulonimbus capillatus |
|---|
 |
| Abbreviation | Cb cap. |
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| Symbol |  |
|---|
| Altitude | Ground to 23,000 m
(75,000 ft) |
|---|
| Appearance | Dark-based storm cloud capable of impressive vertical growth, with a fibrous upper portion |
|---|
| Precipitation | Very 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. The name comes from the Latin word capillatus, meaning "with hair".[1]
It is an intermediate stage between cumulonimbus calvus and cumulonimbus incus.
Hazards
A cumulonimbus capillatus is a mature and powerful cumulonimbus cloud and can produce multiple severe weather.
- Lightning; this is a strong thunderstorm cloud and it is capable of producing bursts of cloud to ground and cloud to cloud lightning.
- Hail; hailstones may fall from this cloud if it is in a highly unstable environment (which favors a more vigorous storm updraft).
- Heavy rain; the cloud may drop several inches of rain in a short amount of time. This can cause flash flooding.
- Strong wind; gale-force winds from a downburst may occur under this cloud.
