Plain English Meaning

A flat, gray layer of cloud that spreads out like a sheet across the sky. It usually sits low, blocks the sun, and can bring drizzle or poor visibility.

Full Definition

Low-level clouds that form in flat, uniform, horizontal layers or sheets, typically with a featureless gray appearance and little vertical development. They form when a stable layer of moist air is cooled to its dew point, often producing overcast skies, light drizzle, or reduced visibility, and are closely related to fog (which is essentially a stratus cloud at the surface).

Context Anchor

Seen in weather reports, preflight weather briefings, and fog discussions when low cloud layers may affect , , or visibility near the .