Height of base: 1,200 to 6,000 ft Colour: White on its sunlit parts but with darker undersides. Shape: This cloud appears in the form of detached heaps. Shallow cumulus may appear quite ragged, especially in strong winds, but well formed clouds have flattened bases and sharp outlines. Large cumulus clouds have a distinctive "cauliflower" shape. Other features: Well developed cumulus may produce showers.