PilotDECODER

Cloud Decoder

Upload or take a photo of the sky to identify the cloud types. Every type the tool can identify is listed below; the ones found in your photo appear bolded.

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Cloud types this tool can identify

High level above ~20,000 ft

  • Cirrus
  • Cirrocumulus
  • Cirrostratus

Mid level ~6,500–20,000 ft

  • Altocumulus
  • Altostratus

Low level below ~6,500 ft

  • Stratus
  • Stratocumulus
  • Cumulus

Spans multiple levels

  • Nimbostratus
  • Towering Cumulus
  • Cumulonimbus

Types identified in your photo appear in bold. The tool identifies eleven cloud types: the ten WMO standard cloud genera plus Towering Cumulus. Towering Cumulus is a species of Cumulus (cumulus congestus, where “congestus” is Latin for “piled up”), listed separately because it's the cue a fair-weather cloud is becoming a thunderstorm.