Cirrus uncinus cloud

Cirrus uncinus
Cirrus uncinus cloud
AbbreviationCi unc
GenusCirrus ("curl")
Speciesuncinus ("hook")
Altitudeabove 7,000 m
(23,000 ft)
ClassificationFamily A (High-level)
Appearancecurly, hooked
PrecipitationNo, but may indicate precipitation approach.

Cirrus uncinus is a species of cirrus cloud. The name cirrus uncinus is Latin for "curly hooks". Commonly called "mare's tail", this cloud species is very thin and generally sparse in the sky.[1]

The clouds occur at high altitudes, at a temperature of about −50 to −40 °C (−58 to −40 °F). They are generally seen when a warm or occluded front is approaching. They are very high in the troposphere and generally mean that precipitation, usually rain, is approaching.[2]

  • Cirrus uncinus clouds over Salinas Victoria, Nuevo León, Mexico
    Cirrus uncinus clouds over Salinas Victoria, Nuevo León, Mexico
  • Cirrus uncinus clouds in the morning sky over Nandli, Himachal Pradesh, India
    Cirrus uncinus clouds in the morning sky over Nandli, Himachal Pradesh, India

See also

References

  1. ^ "Cirrus uncinus (Ci unc)". International Cloud Atlas. World Meteorological Organization. Retrieved 25 June 2019.
  2. ^ "Learn About Cirrus Uncinus Clouds: Curved, Comma-shaped". whatsthiscloud.com. Retrieved 25 June 2019.
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