Refer to figure.

PRECIPITATION can take many forms; it depends a bit on the temperature and the stability of the atmosphere. The rate of precipitation is usually indicated in light (-), moderate and heavy (+). The type or character of the precipitation can be continuous, intermittent or showery.

Precipitation and clouds

With regards to this question, we have seen that precipitation is not likely to fall from Cirrostratus (Cs) clouds. Stratus (St) and stratocumulus (Sc) clouds are associated with light precipitation. Heavy precipitation is associated with Cumulonimbus (Cb) and Nimbostratus (Ns) clouds.

NOTE:CONTINUOUS – usually indicates a thick extensive cloud layer (Nimbostratus clouds). No breaks for 60 minutes +.

• Nimbostratus, Altostratus

SHOWERS- Always associated with CONVECTION or HEAP type cloud. Of short duration.

• Cumulus Cu, Cumulonimbus Cb, Towering Cumulus (TCU).

INTERMITTENT - Associated with LAYER cloud. Falling “from time to time”, with no marked clearance.
Intermittent and showery – you may expect clear skies between the, sometimes heavy, precipitation.