Cirrus clouds are one of three different genera of high-level clouds, all of which are given the prefix "cirro-". The other two genera are cirrocumulus and cirrostratus.

Cirrus clouds have a distinct look relative to the other nine cloud types. Because cirrus clouds are made of ice crystals, they look different than your typical puffy cloud shape, and can take on a …

: a thin white cloud usually of tiny ice crystals formed at altitudes about 20,000 to 40,000 feet (6,000 to 12,000 meters)

Jan 27, 2026 · The straight talk: If you see thin, wispy clouds that look like white brushstrokes against a deep blue sky, you are looking at Cirrus clouds. Composed entirely of ice crystals at …

Cirrus clouds are high clouds formed by ice crystals that indicate good weather when isolated. They can be classified into four species and four varieties, each with unique characteristics.

Jan 11, 2026 · Cirrus clouds are defined by their extreme elevation, occupying the high-cloud level which begins at approximately 20,000 feet (6,000 meters) above the ground. In tropical regions, …

(abbrev. CI) High-level clouds (16,000 feet or higher), composed of ice crystals and appearing in the form of white, delicate filaments or white or mostly white patches or narrow bands. Cirrus clouds …

A high-altitude cloud composed of feathery white patches or bands of ice crystals. Cirrus clouds generally form between 6,100 and 12,200 m (20,000 and 40,000 ft).

A long streaky cloud, spreading out like a horse's tail, and believed to indicate rain; a cirrus cloud. Of the clouds above enumerated, cirrus, cirro-cumulus, and cirro-stratus are the highest, and are always …

Detached clouds in the form of white, delicate filaments or white or mostly white patches or narrow bands. These clouds have a fibrous (hair-like) appearance, or a silky sheen, or both.