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Cumulus Humilis
Cumulus humilis clouds are short vertically, looking like small clumps of cotton in the sky. They are usually found between 3,000 and 18,000 feet above ground level, depending on the temperature and the terrain. These clouds are also known as "fair weather cumulus" and are sought after by pilots of gliders for the warm updrafts beneath them.
Cumulus Congestus
Cumulus congestus can form from the smaller cumulus humilis. The congestus variety can reach altitudes of 50,000 feet above ground at their tops, almost ten miles high. Cumulus congestus can bring large amounts of precipitation. This type of cloud is most often found in the tropics and can transform into the cumulonimbus cloud type, characterized by an anvil-shaped top rather than a cauliflower-shaped one.
Cumulonimbus
Cumulonimbus clouds are the type traditionally associated with thunderstorms. They develop upwards. The height of the cloud top will often be 20,000 to 50,000 feet above the ground and will develop a flat, anvil-like appearance. These clouds can be solitary, bringing small storms, or form together into a squall line. High winds, hail and even tornadoes are not uncommonly associated with this type of cloud.
Formation
Cumulus clouds are formed through a convective process. This means that warm air rises, cools and condenses into water and ice crystals. Usually cumulus clouds will have an altitude at their base of 3,000 to 6,500 feet. When conditions are right, such as a high wind being forced up by a mountain, or an extremely hot day, cumulus clouds can form at altitudes exceeding 20,000 feet.