What type of cloud generally indicates the presence of showers that start and stop?

Cumulus clouds are generally associated with fair weather, but when they develop into larger formations known as cumulonimbus clouds, they indicate the potential for showers that can start and stop intermittently. This is due to their vertical development, where rising air can create varying areas of precipitation within the cloud structure. As thermals rise, small puffy cumulus clouds can grow and result in localized shower activity, often leading to scattered and brief rainfall events.

In contrast, stratus clouds typically generate steady, light rain or overcast conditions without the intermittent nature of showery weather. Nimbostratus clouds can produce continuous precipitation, often lasting for extended periods without interruption. Clouds categorized as having no precipitation naturally do not indicate any rainfall activity. Therefore, the hallmark of showers that start and stop aligns most closely with the characteristics of cumulus clouds, especially when they evolve into more vertically developed forms.