ASTB Aviation/Nautical Information Test (ANIT) Practice 2025 – The All-in-One Guide to Master Your ANIT Exam!

Cumulus clouds are typically associated with fair weather conditions. These clouds are puffy, white, and often have a cotton-like appearance. They form when warm, moist air rises and cools, leading to the condensation of water vapor. As long as these clouds do not develop into larger storm systems, such as cumulonimbus clouds, they generally indicate stable atmospheric conditions.

In contrast, stratus clouds are usually associated with overcast skies and can produce light precipitation, suggesting less favorable weather. Cirrus clouds, while often indicating good weather in the short term, can also signal an approaching change in weather patterns, particularly when they appear in advance of a warm front. Nimbus clouds are associated with rain and storms, indicating poor weather conditions. Therefore, the characteristic features and typical behaviors of cumulus clouds make them the best indicator of good weather.