Arcus cloud Arcus cloud An arcus cloud is a low, horizontal cloud formation, usually appearing as an accessory cloud to a cumulonimbus. Roll clouds and shelf clouds are the two main types of arcus. Arcus clouds most frequently form along the leading edge or "gust fronts" of thunderstorm outflow; some of the most dramatic arcus formations mark the gust fronts of derecho-producing convective systems. Roll clouds also may arise in the absence of thunderstorms, forming along the shallow cold air currents of some sea breeze boundaries and cold fronts. A shelf cloud is a low, horizontal, wedge-shaped arcus cloud. A shelf cloud
Cirrostratus cloud below cirrostratus formations, due to the stable air associated with cirrostratus creating an inversion and restricting convection, causing cumuliform clouds to become flattened. Contrails also tend to spread out and can be visible for up to an hour in cirrostratus. The phrase "milky sunshine" is often, as well as referring to haze or light mist, used to refer to the milky look of the sky when cirrostratus is present. Cirrostratus cloud Cirrostratus is a high-level, very thin, generally uniform "stratiform" genus-type of cloud, composed of ice-crystals. It is difficult to detect and is capable of forming halos when the cloud