What type of clouds are known as "fair weather clouds" and resemble floating cotton balls?

Cumulus clouds are often referred to as "fair weather clouds" due to their characteristics and the conditions under which they typically form. These clouds appear fluffy and white, resembling floating cotton balls, and are generally formed in fair weather conditions when the atmosphere is stable and there is enough heat from the sun to create rising air currents. As these currents of warm air rise, they cool and condense to form the rounded tops of cumulus clouds.

These clouds generally indicate pleasant weather and are not associated with significant storm activity, making them distinct from other types of clouds. For example, cumulonimbus clouds are large and towering and are associated with thunderstorms, while cirrus clouds are thin and wispy, often indicating a change in the weather. Stratus clouds, on the other hand, form in layers and can lead to overcast conditions, lacking the characteristic puffy appearance of cumulus clouds. Therefore, identifying cumulus clouds as the "fair weather clouds" aligns with their appearance and the weather conditions they signify.