Mammatus Clouds

I think I’m going to start a new series of posts centered on all the various types of cloud formations associated with thunderstorms. This will tell you the difference between harmless clouds and the clouds that should make you “hide yo kids and hide yo wife.”

However, today’s cloud feature is probably the most beautiful in storms in my opinion. This cloud feature is called mammatus clouds. Here are a couple example pictures of mammatus:

So, how do mammatus clouds form? They form due to sinking air in a thunderstorm. This is unique because most clouds form due to rising air. This is what gives mammatus clouds their unique appearance. For mammatus to form, the sinking air must be colder than the surrounding air and have a high liquid water to ice content.

Are they dangerous? No. No, you don’t have to hide yo kids and hide yo wife. However, they are more common in strong to severe thunderstorms. The clouds themselves present no danger. They are simply a beautiful cloud formation. How’d they get their name you ask? Their name is derived from their appearance. The bag-like sacs that hang beneath the cloud resemble cow’s udders.