Cumulonimbus incus

A cumulonimbus incus (from Latin incus 'anvil'), also called an anvil cloud, is a cumulonimbus cloud that has reached the level of stratospheric stability and has formed the characteristic flat, anvil-shaped top. It signifies a thunderstorm in its mature stage, succeeding the cumulonimbus calvus stage. Cumulonimbus incus is a subtype of cumulonimbus capillatus. These clouds are commonly associated with severe weather, including heavy rain, downbursts, and occasionally a tornado.

Cumulonimbus incus
A cumulonimbus incus cloud, showing the characteristic anvil-top shape the cloud type displays
AbbreviationCb inc.
Symbol
GenusCumulonimbus (heap, cloud/severe rain)
SpeciesCapillatus (Having hair)
VarietyNone
AltitudeGround to 23,000 m
(75,000 ft)
ClassificationFamily C (Low-level)
AppearanceLarge flat-top cloud
PrecipitationVery common rain, snow, snow pellets or hail, heavy at times
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