The type of cloud known for producing thunderstorms is called cumulonimbus. These towering clouds can reach high altitudes, often appearing as large, billowing structures resembling an anvil. Cumulonimbus clouds are characterized by their vertical development and can lead to severe weather phenomena, including thunder, lightning, heavy rain, hail, and tornadoes. They form in unstable atmospheric conditions where warm, moist air rises rapidly, creating strong updrafts. Meteorologists monitor these clouds as they are indicators of severe thunderstorms, and their development is a key focus in weather forecasting and storm prediction.