thunderclouds
Dark, towering formations
Thunderclouds are the dark, towering clouds that produce thunderstorms—technically cumulonimbus clouds heavy with moisture and electrical charge.
The word often appears figuratively for signs of impending trouble or anger: Thunderclouds gathered on her face when she saw the mess.
A thundercloud of controversy suggests brewing conflict.
Towering storm-producing cloud
- anvilMetal-shaping block
- updraftUpward air movement
- cellBasic unit of life
- nimbusLuminous disk or raincloud
towering · billowing · cumulus · formation · convection · mammatus · supercell · mesocyclone
Atmospheric electrical discharge
- downpourIntense precipitation event
- cloudburstSudden heavy localized rainfall
- squallBrief, violent windstorm
- delugeSevere overflow of water
torrent · tempest · gust · hail · flash · rumble · crack · boom
cumulonimbus
Towering storm-producing cloud
nimbus · towering · billowing · cumulus · formation · convection · mammatus · supercell · mesocyclone · precipitation
lightning
Atmospheric electrical discharge
- downpourIntense precipitation event
- cloudburstSudden heavy localized rainfall
- squallBrief, violent windstorm
deluge · torrent · tempest · gust · hail · flash · rumble · crack · boom · roll
looming
Appearing threateningly close
- gatheringCollection of people meeting
- darkeningGrowing less bright
- broodingAnxiously dwelling on something
threatening · impending · approaching · massing · building · swelling · heavy · overcast · glowering · lowering
menacing
Conveying threat or danger
wrath · trouble · conflict · crisis · turbulence · turmoil · mood · expression · brow · scowl
thundercloudsclear skies
Absence of cloud cover
blue sky · fair weather · sunshine · sunny skies · cirrus clouds
thundercloudssilver lining
Consolation within misfortune
ray of hope · sunshine and rainbows · smooth sailing · sunny disposition · optimism