What type of clouds are typically associated with steady showers?

Stratus clouds are low, gray clouds that often cover the entire sky and are known for producing steady, light precipitation such as rain or drizzle. These clouds form when a layer of moist air is lifted gently, causing the water vapor to condense into a uniform layer. The continuous nature of stratus cloud coverage results in extended periods of steady rain, distinguishing them from other types of clouds that might produce more intermittent or localized precipitation.

Cumulus clouds, while they can indicate fair weather or brief showers, typically do not bring sustained rainfall. Cirrus clouds are high-altitude clouds that are thin and wispy, generally associated with fair weather and not precipitation. Nimbus clouds, particularly when referring to cumulonimbus clouds, are associated with thunderstorms and heavy showers but are not the primary type known for steady rain. Stratus clouds provide the persistent drizzle or light rainfall that characterizes steady showers, making them the correct answer in this context.