Home
Weather London
WeatherRadar
RainfallRadar
TemperatureRadar
WindRadar
LightningRadar
Weather News
Editor's Pick
Discover the app
Weather widget
Contact us
Apps
Career
Home / Editor's Pick /

Kelvin-Helmholtz Clouds: Waves in the sky

16:00
20 June 2022

Kelvin-Helmholtz Clouds
Waves in the sky

Kelvin-Holmholtz cloudKelvin-Helmholtz clouds spotted over Yorkshire in 2022. - © Paul Foster

This is a fantastic and rare shot of a wave-crashing cloud captured over Ingleton, North Yorkshire by a Weather & Radar user, do you know what they are?

Known as Kelvin-Helmholtz Wave Clouds, these types of cloud only last for a few minutes before dissipating without a trace.

Kelvin-Helmholtz clouds appear when the air is very unstable. They form when faster-moving, warm air flows over slower-moving, colder and denser air. If the speed at which the warm air travels over the colder air is fast enough, the undulating wave-like formation of the cloud appears.

These types of clouds can be spotted anywhere but vanish as quickly as they appear, so you need to be quick on the trigger!

If you spot waves in the clouds, or any natural spectacle, we would love to see! Submit images and videos using our uploader.

Weather & Radar editorial team
More on the topic
Split image with UK nighttime weather map on the left showing clouds, rain bands, and temperatures, and a bright full moon above dark pine trees on the right.
Wednesday, 1 April 2026

Good visibility for most

The Pink Moon rises tonight
Split weather graphic showing a low-pressure system with tight isobars over the UK on the left and a wind map on the right with strong gusts up to 90 mph, plus a windsock warning icon.
Thursday, 2 April 2026

Gales and blizzards

Storm Dave disrupts Easter weekend
Split image with Cromer Pier at sunset on the left in soft orange-blue tones and a moonlit Canterbury church with dramatic clouds on the right, lit by a streetlamp.
Sunday, 5 April 2026

Your weather - Your shots

Spring captured after the clock change
All weather news
This might also interest you
Split image showing strong winds over the UK on a forecast map and widespread rain and snow on a weather radar map.
Tuesday, 27 January 2026

Severe gales & heavy rain

Storm Chandra makes impact
Illustration of white and yellow fireworks on a blue background.
Wednesday, 31 December 2025

Hello 2026

Happy New Year
Outline of Santa Claus with a yellow and white hat, "Ho-Ho-Ho" next to the outline above a Christmas tree.
Thursday, 25 December 2025

Merry Christmas!

Wishes from Weather & Radar
All articles
Weather & Radar

Weather & Radar is also available on

Google Play StoreApp Store

Company

Contact us Privacy Policy Legal info Accessibility statement

Services

Uploader

Socials

facebooktwittertikToklinkList