nimbostratus

As nouns the difference between nimbostratus and altocumulus

is that nimbostratus is (meteorology) a low-level, principal cloud type, generally formless and dark grey in colour, occurring in layers at low altitude (usually below 2400 metres) and usually bringing precipitation; abbreviated n s while altocumulus is (physics|meteorology) a principal medium-level cloud type, white and/or gray in color, which occurs as a layer or patch with a waved aspect, the elements of which appear as laminae, rounded masses, or rolls these elements usually are sharply outlined, but they may become partly fibrous or diffuse; they may or may not be merged; they generally have shadowed parts; and, by convection, when observed at an angle of more than 30° above the horizon, subtend an angle between 1 degrees and 5 degrees (abbreviated a c).

As nouns the difference between altostratus and nimbostratus

is that altostratus is . A principal medium-level cloud type in the form of a gray or bluish (never white) sheet or layer of striated, fibrous, or uniform appearance while nimbostratus is a low-level, principal cloud type, generally formless and dark grey in colour, occurring in layers at low altitude (usually below 2400 metres) and usually bringing precipitation; abbreviated Ns.