Which type of cloud is best known for producing light drizzle or fog?

The type of cloud best known for producing light drizzle or fog is stratus. Stratus clouds form in uniform layers and often cover the sky like a blanket, leading to overcast conditions. They usually appear gray and can result in light precipitation, such as drizzle or mist. This occurs because stratus clouds are characterized by their low altitude and relatively stable atmospheric conditions, which allow moisture to condense and remain suspended in the air without the strong updrafts found in other cloud types.

Cumulonimbus clouds, by contrast, are towering clouds associated with thunderstorms and severe weather, making them unlikely to produce the gentle conditions typical of drizzle or fog. Cumulus clouds are generally fluffy and indicate fair weather, though they can develop into larger structures. Cumulostratus, while not a standard cloud classification, suggests a mix that typically does not produce the sustained light precipitation that stratus does. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why stratus clouds are the primary source of light drizzle or fog.