Cirrus/Stratus clouds

[Hirgab 9]

When setting cirrus cloud generation and stratus cloud occurrence to zero, will ASE still generate these clouds when they actually exist in real life? In other words, are these sliders for 'extra clouds' that don't exist in real life or are the sliders there because the METARS don't specify when Cirrus/Stratus clouds when they happen in real life so we use these sliders to make up for it? Thanks.

[JSkorna 137]

Hi, Cirrus clouds are never a part of METAR data so only the slider will provide those. Stratus are mostly that low level cloud that forms OVC layers, but AS will use cumulus if the stratus slider is zero. In FSX cumulus clouds form a better OVC layer.

[Hirgab 9]

Thanks for that. I've set my cirrus cloud generation to 50%. What exactly do you mean by FSX cumulus clouds form a better OVC layer? Wouldn't having 0% for stratus not be realistic at all? Don't METAR data cover stratus clouds?

[JSkorna 137]

Hi, METAR data does not typically contain the type of cloud, only coverage and altitude. In FSX cumulus clouds form a more solid OVC layer. Whether it is realistic is up to you.