Anvil cloud spotted in Cambridge

A well formed anvil cloud was snapped in Cambridge this week, looming high above with an ominous look.

The large cumulonimbus cloud with an anvil is often a sign of thunderstorms. This cloud looks particularly stunning as it shoots upwards, illuminated from below by a low-hanging sun.

These clouds form when a cumulonimbus cloud reaches the stratosphere where a temperature change leads to the flat, widening top.

These often lead to varying forms of precipitation including heavy rain and hail. The cloud type is also capable of producing lightning, gale force winds, and in some instances tornadoes.

In fact, any cloud type which include ‘nimbus’ in the name will bring precipitation. Nimbus in Latin literally means ‘rain cloud’

If you spot any particularly awe-inspiring clouds such as in Cambridge earlier this week, send them in to feature on the app! Use our dedicated uploader to submit images.