What type of clouds often produce precipitation during an occluded front?

Nimbostratus clouds are typically associated with prolonged, steady precipitation, making them particularly relevant when discussing occluded fronts. During an occluded front, warm air is lifted off the ground as it collides with colder air, leading to the formation of these thick, moisture-laden clouds. Nimbostratus clouds cover the sky in a uniform layer and are characterized by their ability to produce extensive, continuous rainfall or drizzle.

This is in contrast to other types of clouds. For example, cumulonimbus clouds are associated more with severe weather conditions like thunderstorms, rather than the steady precipitation typical of an occluded front. Stratus clouds can produce light precipitation but usually do not result in the significant rain that nimbostratus clouds can deliver in the context of an occluded front. Cumulus clouds, while somewhat associated with fair weather, typically don’t produce substantial precipitation unless they develop into larger formations.

Thus, the presence of nimbostratus clouds during an occluded front indicates the likelihood of steady and consistent precipitation, making them the correct choice.