Everyday skies · genus
Altostratus
Sunlight through frosted glass
Full credit
Own work
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Full credit
Own work
Displayed at reduced resolution. See the original file for full licensing information.
Full credit
Own work
Displayed at reduced resolution. See the original file for full licensing information.
Swipe or scroll sideways to explore the photographs. Photos may include other cloud types; names and credits come from their source records.
Spot it
A broad grey or bluish sheet, sometimes showing a dim Sun.
How it forms
Large-scale ascent produces an extended middle-level layer.
Read the sky
A thickening sheet can accompany an approaching precipitation system.
Where to look
Look around broad frontal weather systems.
Little sky facts
Reveal fact 1
Some parts are thin enough to reveal the Sun.
Reveal fact 2
Other parts can be opaque.
Reveal fact 3
The cloud may have a streaked or fibrous texture.
Reveal fact 4
It can spread across most of the visible sky.
Try this
Draw the faint disc of light inside the cloud sheet.
Draw your own cloud ↗Read a little deeper
Met Office · formation and weather
Conditions described here are places to look, not a global frequency ranking. Use local weather forecasts and warnings for decisions. Never look directly at the Sun.