A meteorologist observes a large cloud system with a thick, layered structure stretching across a wide region. The cloud base is low, and steady rain has been falling for several hours. Based on this description, which cloud type is most likely present?

Nimbostratus clouds form thick, layered sheets that can cover a broad area and produce steady precipitation for hours. Cumulonimbus clouds are more associated with towering development and brief, intense storms, while cumulus and cirrus clouds generally do not bring prolonged steady rain. Therefore, the most likely cloud type is nimbostratus.

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