What weather phenomenon is frequently associated with stratiform clouds?

Stratiform clouds are typically associated with stable atmospheric conditions, where the atmosphere promotes the formation of layered clouds that can cover large areas with relatively uniform thickness. This type of cloud formation usually leads to consistent weather patterns characterized by light precipitation, such as drizzle or continuous light rain, without the turbulence and instability that often accompany cumulus or cumulonimbus clouds.

One of the key aspects of stratiform clouds is their ability to trap moisture in the lower layers of the atmosphere, which can lead to fog and low visibility. This phenomenon occurs particularly in conditions where warm, moist air moves over a cooler surface, allowing the moisture in the air to condense and form cloud layers that reduce visibility significantly. Consequently, the presence of stratiform clouds is often correlated with fog formation and reduced visibility, making the correct association clear in this context.

The other options involve weather conditions that either do not relate to stratiform clouds or describe phenomena that are typically associated with different cloud types. For example, thunderstorms generally originate from towering cumulus or cumulonimbus clouds, which thrive in unstable atmospheric conditions. High winds are commonly experienced in association with such unstable clouds as well, while clear skies are opposite to the presence of stratiform clouds, which imply overcast conditions.