What are cumulonimbus clouds made of

A cumulonimbus cloud is one of the largest clouds formed in Earth's weather patterns. The tall, column-like appearance, often with a flat top, can indicate severe lightning, heavy rain and high winds.

Storm clouds form from rising warm air that cools and creates ice at higher altitudes, or height above ground, and rain at lower levels. They can also create hail and tornadoes that can cause crop and property damage, and injury to people and animals.

As the sun warms the ground, air begins to rise into the atmosphere.

If enough humidity or water vapor is present, clouds can form. Cumulonimbus formation begins with smaller cumulus clouds, which do not indicate severe weather.

Cumulonimbus clouds

If the rising air continues to push upward, the cumulus clouds can rise to towering cumulus, with heights of tens of thousands of feet or meters. The formation of rain drops releases heat, and enough energy can be generated to form an increasingly large cloud.

When lightning begins to occur, a cumulonimbus cloud has developed, and a thunderstorm is now present. Thunderstorms can

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