Clouds are divided into four families according to their?

Clouds are classified into four families based on their height range. This classification helps pilots and meteorologists understand the cloud types' potential weather implications and visibility conditions. The four main families are high clouds, middle clouds, low clouds, and clouds with vertical development.

High clouds, such as cirrus, are found at altitudes above approximately 20,000 feet. Middle clouds, like altostratus and altocumulus, occupy the range between about 6,500 and 20,000 feet. Low clouds, including stratus and stratocumulus, dominate below 6,500 feet. Additionally, clouds with significant vertical development, like cumulonimbus, can extend through multiple height ranges, influencing a wide range of weather phenomena, such as thunderstorms.

While outward shape, composition, and color may describe certain characteristics of clouds, their height is fundamental for categorization and understanding their meteorological significance. This height-based classification directly correlates with the weather conditions typically associated with different cloud types.