What is the primary weather condition associated with nimbostratus clouds?

Nimbostratus clouds are primarily associated with steady, prolonged precipitation, making heavy rain the defining weather condition linked to them. These clouds are thick and uniform, typically gray, and cover the sky, blocking out sunlight. Unlike other cloud types, nimbostratus clouds produce continuous rain rather than intermittent showers, which is why they are characterized by widespread and persistent rainfall. This low-level cloud formation often leads to overcast conditions, significantly contributing to the total precipitation in a given area.

In contrast, clear skies, strong winds, and mild temperatures are not characteristics of weather produced by nimbostratus clouds. Clear skies would typically be associated with fair weather clouds, while strong winds might indicate the presence of different weather systems like storms. Mild temperatures can occur under various types of clouds, but they do not specifically indicate the presence of nimbostratus clouds, which are more directly tied to precipitation.