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 /

What's that cloud? Rare wave clouds seen in Hampshire

16:00
26 February 2023

What's that cloud?
Rare wave clouds seen in Hampshire

Kelvin-Helmholtz cloudsThese rare wavy Kelvin-Helmholtz clouds were spotted in Hampshire earlier this week. - © Sue Davies

Appearing as waves in the sky, these rare clouds were spotted by a user in Hampshire earlier this month. Let's look at what makes them special.

Known as Kelvin-Helmholtz wave Clouds, these types of cloud only last for a few minutes before dissipating without a trace, which is exactly what user Sue Davies reported suggesting that the waves had lost their shape entirely shortly after the picture was taken.

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 in the cloud appears.

These types of clouds can form anywhere that that the right conditions appear, just be quick with the camera to catch them before they vanish!

If you have spotted any odd or interesting clouds recently please send them in for us to take a look at next week! Use our uploader or send them direct through the app by tapping the camera icon.

Ryan Hathaway
More on the topic
On the left, a car on a flooded road; on the right, the weather radar showing heavy rain.
Monday, 20 April 2026

Up to 80 mm in a day

Record rainfall in eastern Germany
Split image showing a coastal promenade with beach huts and lampposts under hazy daylight on the left, and a bright sunrise over a rocky shoreline with golden reflections on the water on the right.
Sunday, 26 April 2026

Your weather - Your shots

Sunny, settled conditions on camera
Temperature map of southern Europe, showing maximum temperatures in red for a few cities in Spain, Portugal and France.
Thursday, 16 April 2026

Temperatures over 30 °C

Early heatwave in south-western Europe
All weather news
This might also interest you
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
Split UK map showing warm temperatures up to 21 degrees in orange on the left and clear sunny conditions with temperatures from 12 to 18 degrees on the right, with sun icons across the country.
Thursday, 23 April 2026

Spring-like outlook

Bright and warm conditions take hold
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