Humilis Cloud Species: Wider Than It Is Tall

Description & Characteristics. Translated from latin meaning humble, the ‘humilis’ cloud species is found only in the cumulus cloud type. No other cloud type besides a cumulus cloud can be classified as humilis. A cumulus humilis cloud formation is fairly distinct and easy to classify in relation to other clouds: they’re a cumulus cloud that’s wider than it’s tall. They’re flattened cumulus and are generally found low in altitude. The proper cloud classification abbreviation for this cloud is ‘Cu hum’..

Flat as a pancake, this would be your typical fair-weather cloud. But do note that they may also be a sign of bad weather later on in the day. It’s not unusual to see the cloud variety radiatus (parallel bands and strips) show itself in this cloud species. If you spot a sky full of flattened cumulus cloud streets, you might classify the clouds as cumulus humilis radiatus.

Cumulus humilis clouds are a common occurrence on summertime fair-weather days. Keep your eye on them though, as they always have a potential to vertically develop into something more.