What clouds have the greatest turbulence?

Cumulonimbus clouds are associated with significant turbulence due to their vertical development and the intense atmospheric processes that take place within them. These clouds can extend through the troposphere and often reach altitudes where severe weather phenomena occur, including thunderstorms. The strong updrafts and downdrafts present in and around cumulonimbus clouds create unstable air, leading to the potential for turbulence not just within the cloud itself but also in the surrounding airspace.

Towering cumulus clouds, although they can produce turbulence, typically do not reach the same level of intensity or height as cumulonimbus clouds. Nimbostratus clouds generally produce steady, moderate precipitation and are associated with stable weather systems, resulting in less turbulence. Cirrocumulus clouds are high-altitude clouds that indicate stable weather conditions and are usually associated with minimal turbulence.

In summary, cumulonimbus clouds exhibit the most turbulence due to their structure and the atmospheric conditions that contribute to severe weather phenomena.