Cumulonimbus clouds develop from which among the following clouds?

Cumulonimbus clouds, often referred to as thunderstorm clouds, are characterized by extensive vertical development [2]. They typically evolve through a specific natural progression from smaller cumulus clouds as the atmosphere becomes unstable. This growth sequence begins with fair-weather cumulus, advancing to cumulus mediocris, and then to cumulus congestus (also known as towering cumulus). Cumulus congestus represents the final stage before the cloud transitions into a fully developed cumulonimbus. During this congestus stage, the cloud tops penetrate colder air aloft, and precipitation may begin to fall just before it reaches the cumulonimbus stage, which is often marked by a characteristic anvil-shaped top. While other clouds like nimbostratus or altostratus are associated with frontal systems, they do not serve as the vertical precursors for the convective development of cumulonimbus clouds [3].

Sources

1. [1] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 24: Hydrological Cycle (Water Cycle) > Types of Clouds > p. 335
2. [2] FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 10: Water in the Atmosphere > Nimbus > p. 88
3. [3] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 28: Temperate Cyclones > Clouds Along A Warm Front > p. 402