CINDI: A New Kind of Cloud?
CINDI: A New Kind of Cloud?WNDU Blog Listing
CINDI: A New Kind of Cloud?
Topic Author: Cindi Clawson
Posted: 11:17 PM Jun 9, 2010
Replies Posted: 9 comments
Save Email Print
Recent Blog Topics
Font Size:

 

New type of cloud?
 
My Mother-in-Law sent me this picture, and apparently people all over Southwest Missouri were snapping pictures of the sky Monday morning. These very strange looking clouds are called Undulatus asperatus, meaning roughened or agitated waves.
 
According to the Springfield, MO National Weather Service, this type of cloud is fairly rare, but is seen more often in the Plains states, and is caused by the balance of unstable air aloft and a stable air mass at the surface. They look ominous but usually dissipate without a storm forming.
 
As of 2009 this cloud type is being considered for addition into the International Cloud Atlas by the World Meteorological Organization, and would be the first new cloud on the chart since 1951.
 
We get similar clouds up here from time to time, wavy looking clouds called undulatus.  The clouds spotted over Missouri Monday morning were like undulatus's big brother!
 
For more pics from the Springfield, MO National Weather Service, click here.
Post Your Comments
First Name:
Location:
Enter Comments: characters left
Email (optional):
By posting this comment I have read and agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy:
You must agree to the Terms of Service to continue.
Read Comments
Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
  • by Shelly Location: Lapaz on Jul 20, 2010 at 11:49 PM
    It's amazing the wonders that God still has to show so many of us. These clouds are beautiful!
    Reply [ Report Abuse ]
  • by Jarid Location: Plymouth on Jun 23, 2010 at 10:39 PM
    God is watching over us. I hope no one was hurt during the storms. This was pretty crazy weather. I hope we don't get anything like this Saturday and Sunday.
    Reply [ Report Abuse ]
  • by Darlene Location: Chesterton on Jun 18, 2010 at 05:50 PM
    It is 4:50cdt and sky is completely black, the wind is picking up, lots of thunder and lightning, and rain.
    Reply [ Report Abuse ]
  • by BridgettElliott Location: http://www.lowest-rate-loans.com on Jun 17, 2010 at 06:09 AM
    Cars and houses are not very cheap and not everyone can buy it. But, loan are created to help different people in such kind of hard situations.
    Reply [ Report Abuse ]
  • by NMA Location: SB on Jun 16, 2010 at 02:27 AM
    That's God watching us.
    Reply [ Report Abuse ]
  • by Deb Location: Warsaw on Jun 11, 2010 at 08:51 AM
    What an amazing show by Mother Nature!
    Reply [ Report Abuse ]
  • by Tim Jones Location: Florence, AL on Jun 10, 2010 at 11:18 PM
    There is an eye at the far right center of the photograph.
    Reply [ Report Abuse ]
  • by Tonya Location: Indiana on Jun 10, 2010 at 01:09 AM
    Wow! Its very pretty AND scary at the same time! Thanks Cyndi, for the explanation!
    Reply [ Report Abuse ]
  • by emma Location: south bend indiana on Jun 10, 2010 at 12:03 AM
    that is strange! i thought it was a painting for a moment.
    Reply [ Report Abuse ]
9 - 15 - 1 - 0

WNDU News Poll
There are currently no active polls at this time.
Click here to view other polls on our site and past poll results.