Clouds of the Day - Distant Cumulonimbus

Cumulonimbus, 8-29-2022, Cedar Falls, Iowa. Photo copyright Craig Johnson, Weather Briefing, LC.

This thunderstorm formed south of Cedar Falls, Iowa last evening and moved east. The anvil is clearly visible at the top of the storm with winds aloft blowing ice crystals off the leading edge of the storm (right to left). Cumulus congestus are visible north of the storm (this side of the storm) building up into the main storm. The cumulus clouds are reflecting light from the Sun which is low on west northwest horizon. Altostratus clouds are also seen in thin dark lines. The patches are thin flat or slightly curved layers revealing waves in the air flowing around the thunderstorm. Cold dry air aloft is creating the clear blue sky above the storm. The sky was also clear above Cedar Falls.