On the WeatherRadar: Mountain waves over the UK & Ireland

Have you ever noticed waves rolling over mountains? We have, in fact you can even spot them on the WeatherRadar.

When stripes of clouds showing up on the WeatherRadar across parts of the UK and Ireland, look at the wind. The lines are at right angles to the wind direction and appear upon hitting the mountainous areas. These are known as mountain waves.

With high pressure in control, this produces stable air aloft and a temperature inversion above any hilly or mountainous areas.

As the air moves at a right angle over the elevated area, it is forced upwards, but when it hits the inversion it subsides, though as it is stable air, it tries to return back to its original level, producing an on-going oscillation.

Every time the air rises towards the inversion, it cools and forms a cloud that sits at each crest of the wave. On the WeatherRadar, you can see all the ripples flowing over the mountains, continuing westwards over the Irish Sea and into Ireland.

Have you seen any where you are? If so, send us a picture, we would love to see them. Upload yours here!