Humilis Cloud Species:Wider Than It Is Tall

Get a full description of cumulus humilis clouds, including pictures and images of their various characteristics, how to identify them, and more.

Cumulus humilis (Cu hum)
Cumulus humilis (Cu hum)

Identifying the humiliscloud species

A humbled, flattened, and pancake-like species of cumulus cloud

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.

Humilis and its cloud type

Humilis is used with the cloud type shown below. The main type identifies the broader cloud form, while this term adds a more precise classification.

Compare humilis with related cloud species

Use the defining shape, arrangement, associated cloud type, and full sky context before selecting the most appropriate term.

Humilis vs. mediocris

Both are cumulus species. Humilis is flattened and wider than it is tall, while mediocris shows more vertical growth and is about as tall as it is wide.

Illustration of humilis clouds
Humilis
Illustration of mediocris clouds
Mediocris

See a humilis cloud classification in action

Follow a real photograph through the visible clues that lead to a complete cloud classification.

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