| Cumulonimbus incus | |
|---|---|
 A cumulonimbus incus cloud, showing the characteristic anvil-top shape the cloud type displays | |
| Abbreviation | Cb inc. |
| Symbol |  |
| Genus | Cumulonimbus (heap, cloud/severe rain) |
| Species | Capillatus (Having hair) |
| Variety | None |
| Altitude | Ground to 23,000 m (75,000 ft) |
| Classification | Family C (Low-level) |
| Appearance | Large flat-top cloud |
| Precipitation | Very commonrain,snow,snow pellets orhail, heavy at times |
Acumulonimbus incus (from Latin incus 'anvil'), also called ananvil cloud, is acumulonimbus cloud that has reached the level ofstratospheric stability and has formed the characteristic flat,anvil-shapedtop.[1] It signifies athunderstorm in its mature stage, succeeding thecumulonimbus calvus stage.[2] Cumulonimbus incus is a subtype ofcumulonimbus capillatus. These clouds are commonly associated with severe weather, including heavy rain,downbursts, and occasionally atornado.
Acumulonimbus incus is a mature thunderstorm cloud generating many dangerous elements.
Cumulonimbus clouds can be powerful. If the correct atmospheric conditions are met, they can grow into asupercell storm. This cloud may be asingle-cell thunderstorm or one cell in amulticellular thunderstorm. They are capable of producing severe storm conditions for a short amount of time.
