thunderhead
Towering anvil-shaped cloud
A thunderhead is a towering cumulonimbus cloud with a characteristic anvil-shaped top, signaling an approaching thunderstorm.
The term captures both the cloud's dramatic vertical development and its association with violent weather—lightning, heavy rain, and strong winds.
Dark thunderheads gathered on the horizon.
Towering storm-producing cloud
- nimbusLuminous disk or raincloud
- cumulusDense, billowing cloud type
- thundercloudRain-bearing atmospheric formation
- anvilMetal-shaping block
towering · billowing · cauliflower · pileus · overshooting · flanking · cell · supercell
Of imposing height
- massiveExtremely large and heavy
- colossalExtremely large in scale
- loomingAppearing threateningly close
- monolithicMassive and undifferentiated
majestic · gigantic · soaring · hulking · formidable · dominant · commanding · impressive
Atmospheric electrical discharge
- rainfallWater falling from clouds
- downpourIntense precipitation event
- cloudburstSudden heavy localized rainfall
- delugeSevere overflow of water
squall · tempest · gale · gusts · hail · precipitation · torrent · monsoon
cumulonimbus
Towering storm-producing cloud
- nimbusLuminous disk or raincloud
- cumulusDense, billowing cloud type
- thundercloudRain-bearing atmospheric formation
anvil · towering · billowing · cauliflower · pileus · overshooting · flanking · cell · supercell · formation
towering
Of imposing height
- massiveExtremely large and heavy
- colossalExtremely large in scale
- loomingAppearing threateningly close
monolithic · majestic · gigantic · soaring · hulking · formidable · dominant · commanding · impressive · stately
lightning
Atmospheric electrical discharge
- rainfallWater falling from clouds
- downpourIntense precipitation event
- cloudburstSudden heavy localized rainfall
deluge · squall · tempest · gale · gusts · hail · precipitation · torrent · monsoon · cyclone
foreboding
Fearful anticipation of harm
- menacingConveying threat or danger
- threateningExpressing intent to harm
- broodingAnxiously dwelling on something
dark · gloomy · sinister · portentous · daunting · grim · dire · baleful · fearsome · intimidating
- skyclouds, blue sky, cloud, sun, moon
- Cloudscumulus, stratus, cirrus, nimbostratus, stratocumulus
- sky sightsmeteor, aurora, comet, stars, moon
- tropical weatherhurricane, tropical storm, tropical cyclone, hurricanes, tropical depression
- cloud shapespuff, wisp, billow, cumulus, cirrus
- atmospheric formationcloud, fog, mist, haze, smog
thunderheadclear sky
Atmosphere without clouds
blue sky · sunny skies · open sky · empty sky · fair weather