This fantastic high resolution satellite image from March 29th, 2008 is a great illustration of cumulus cloud development. Cumulus clouds, sometimes referred to as "fair weather clouds," are very common and are one of the most recognizable cloud types.

Technically speaking, cumulus clouds are defined as: detached clouds, generally dense and with sharp outlines, showing vertical development in the form of domes, mounds, or towers. Tops normally are rounded while bases are more horizontal. However, you may simply know cumulus clouds as those scattered white puffy clouds that resemble cotton balls and form as the day progresses.

The development of cumulus clouds is associated with rising air. As the temperature here at the surface warms during the day in response to sunshine, the relatively mild air rises through the atmosphere, cools, condenses and forms clouds. The greater the difference between the surface temperature and the readings aloft, the better the conditions for cumulus cloud development.

In the summer months, when enough heat and humidity is available, sometimes cumulus clouds can grow tall enough and large enough to become cumulonimbus clouds - which can lead to thunderstorms.