Advertisement

Can you guess why these ‘angry’ clouds are called Mammatus?

Click to play video: 'What causes Mammatus clouds to form?'
What causes Mammatus clouds to form?
WATCH: What are Mammatus clouds? Meteorologist Kristi Gordon explains what causes these unusual cloud formations – Jun 20, 2019

Incredible but ominous-looking clouds were spotted near Kamloops Wednesday night, captivating many Global BC viewers in the area who sent us photos describing the clouds as “angry.”

While these clouds are a result of thunderstorms or cumulonimbus clouds, the round, pouch-like clouds are actually quite harmless and typically occur after the worst of the thunderstorm has passed.

They are called “mammatus clouds.” The word mammatus was derived from the Latin term “mamma,” meaning breast or udder.

The clouds are created by the strong up and down drafts within a thunderstorm or cumulonimbus cloud.

Story continues below advertisement

The descending air can sometimes drop below the bottom of the thunderstorm, creating these pouch-like or udder-like formations.

Although mammatus clouds are found most often under cumulonimbus clouds, they can also occur under other types of clouds too.

We love seeing your weather photos! So keep sending them to weatherwindow@globaltv.com.

Sponsored content

AdChoices