What type of clouds are typically associated with fair weather?

Cumulus clouds are typically associated with fair weather due to their formation and characteristics. These clouds are often seen on sunny days and are described as white, fluffy, and having a cotton-like appearance. They develop in unstable air when warm, moist air rises, cools, and condenses into visible water droplets. This process usually occurs during sunny weather when there is sufficient heating from the sun, and they typically do not produce precipitation.

Cumulus clouds can grow larger and develop into cumulonimbus clouds, which are storm clouds associated with severe weather, including thunderstorms. However, smaller, isolated cumulus clouds indicate fair conditions.

In contrast, the other types of clouds mentioned are generally associated with less favorable weather. For example, cumulonimbus clouds produce thunderstorms, nimbostratus clouds bring continuous rain or precipitation, and stratus clouds often indicate overcast conditions with possible light precipitation. Thus, cumulus clouds stand out as the type that signifies fair weather.