Cirrus clouds are found in the stratosphere, typically at altitudes of about 20,000 feet (6,000 meters) and higher. These clouds are characterized by their thin, wispy appearance, and they are formed from ice crystals due to the cold temperatures at such high elevations.
The presence of cirrus clouds often indicates that a change in weather may be on the way. They generally signal moisture in the upper atmosphere, and their appearance can be a precursor to an approaching warm front. Because they are situated above the majority of the weather phenomena that affect us at the surface, cirrus clouds rarely cause precipitation, but they are a beautiful indicator of the atmospheric conditions occurring high above us.