What were these rare clouds spotted over Vancouver?
Weather enthusiasts in Vancouver were treated to a mesmerizing display on Friday evening as rare cloud formations filled the skies above the city. The unusual cloud pattern, resembling sheets of grey-tinged clouds knitted together in an undulating fashion, spread across the skies from North Vancouver to Port Moody, captivating onlookers throughout the evening.
The striking weather phenomenon was identified as asperitas clouds, an exceptionally rare cloud formation that continues to puzzle meteorologists. Nan Lu, a meteorologist from Environment and Climate Change Canada, explained that the formation of these clouds remains a mystery, with little known about their origins. Typically appearing before and after storms, asperitas clouds are believed to be associated with unstable atmospheres, possibly influenced by changing wind directions that give them their distinct wavy texture.
The first documentation of asperitas clouds in the World Meteorological Organisation’s International Cloud Atlas was not made until 2008, when it was proposed by the Cloud Appreciation Society. It was officially recognized in 2015 at the WMO’s 17th Congress, solidifying its classification as a unique cloud formation.
Social media was abuzz with photos and videos of the rare clouds, with witnesses describing the evening skies as resembling thick, rolling duvets or vast, choppy seas. Despite the captivating nature of these formations, forecasting their occurrence remains challenging due to the limited knowledge surrounding them. As a result, capturing these elusive clouds in the future may require a combination of luck and a quality camera.
The breathtaking display of asperitas clouds over Vancouver serves as a reminder of the beauty and mystery of nature, leaving observers in awe of the wonders that can unfold in the skies above.
