Cumulus congestus
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Kinabalu-silhouette-cloud.jpg
Kinabalu-silhouette-cloud.jpg
A group of cumulus congestus clouds viewed from midway from the summit of Mount Kinabalu.
Cumulus congestus clouds are characteristic of unstable areas of the atmosphere which are undergoing convection. Because Cumulus congestus is produced by strong updrafts, it is typically taller than it is wide, and cloud tops can reach 5 000 metres (15 000 feet). Cumulus congestus will mature into Cumulus calvus under conditions of sufficient instability. This cloud type produces precipitation.