Which cloud type is most likely to produce thunderstorms?

Cumulonimbus clouds are towering, vertically-developed clouds that are particularly associated with severe weather, including thunderstorms. They typically form due to strong updrafts of warm, moist air which rise and cool, leading to the development of tall, dense cloud structures. Within these clouds, significant vertical development can occur, leading to the formation of an anvil-shaped top that can reach high altitudes in the atmosphere.

These clouds are characterized by their significant moisture content and the potential for intense precipitation, lightning, thunder, and even severe weather events such as hail and tornadoes. The structure of cumulonimbus clouds supports the necessary atmospheric conditions for thunderstorms by facilitating strong convection processes, which are essential for the development of instability in the atmosphere. In contrast, other cloud types mentioned tend to be more stable and less associated with convective activity, thus they do not typically produce thunderstorms.