> What's the main characteristic of a nimbus cloud?And the answer: precipitation. Adding "nimbus" to a cloud name means precipitation is falling from the cloud.For example, if a cumulus cloud produces rain, it's known as a cumulonimbuscloud.Photo credit: Science Struck [https://sciencestruck.com/nimbus-clouds].Whilethere are many types of clouds in the sky, only certain types of clouds canproduce rain. For one, nimbostratus clouds are low-hanging rain clouds that tendto be what we think of when we consider an overcast day. These clouds usuallyindicate strengthening and thickening stratus layer, and usually tend to producelight rain. But cumulonimbus clouds are the main rain producers. These clouds are large andpuffy, and though they might hang low, they tend to extend high into theatmosphere. These types of clouds produce strong and intermittent precipitationand tend to be associated with more severe weather. More intense cumulonimbusclouds can produce wind, lightning, thunder, and even tornadoes. Cumuluscongestus clouds, their smaller sibling, can also produce rain, but tend not tobe significant enough to merit a name change to "nimbus." Learn more about clouds and the water cycle here[https://www.usgs.gov/special-topic/water-science-school/science/precipitation-and-water-cycle?qt-science_center_objects=0#qt-science_center_objects].