Recently Visible In China, What You Need To Know About Mammatus Cloud!

Mammatus cloud is a cellular pattern of pouches hanging underneath the base of a cloud, typically a cumulonimbus raincloud, although they may be attached to other classes of parent clouds. The name mammatus is derived from the Latin mamma that means ‘udder’ or ‘breast’. Mammatus cloud is a cloud supplementary feature rather than a genus, species or variety of cloud.

The distinct ‘lumpy’ undersides are formed by cold air sinking down to form the pockets contrary to the puffs of clouds rising through the convection of warm air. These formations were first described in the year 1894 by an individual named William Clement Ley. Mammatus clouds are most often associated with anvil clouds and also severe thunderstorms.

Picture: Your Weather

It is true that mammatus clouds can appear around, before, or even after a storm. Contrary to a particular myth, they do not continue extending downward to form tornados, but they are interesting in part because they are formed by sinking air. Most clouds are formed by rising air. Mammatus clouds can appear ominous. But, in a way that is so common in nature, their dangerous aspect goes hand in hand with magnificent beauty.

While they are not particularly rare, mammatus cloud can be eye-catching and also picturesque, especially at sunset. If you are a cloud spotter looking for mammatus clouds, pay particular attention to the underside of a thunderstorm anvil cloud to increase your chances of spotting the mammatus cloud in the air.

The mammatus cloud feature can be found amongst six cloud types:

  • Cirrus
  • Cirrocumulus
  • Altocumulus
  • Altostratus
  • Cumulonimbus
  • Stratocumulus

Sources: Met Office.

Adib Mohd

Recent Posts

SEACare 2025 Solidifies Malaysia’s Leadership in Southeast Asia’s Healthcare Landscape

Malaysia’s commitment to transforming its healthcare system takes centre stage this week as SEACare 2025,… Read More

1 day ago

Drop: A First Date That Turns Into a Psychological Minefield

What happens when trust, trauma, and tequila meet at the same table?  That’s the unnerving… Read More

1 day ago

SME Bank Collaborates with Autism Cafe Project to Empower Autistic Entrepreneurs

Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia Berhad (“SME Bank”) has partnered with The Autism Cafe… Read More

1 day ago

Pahlawan Malaysia 2025: Malaysia’s Premier Obstacle Sports Competition Set to Energize the Nation at the Curve, Mutiara Damansara

The Malaysia Obstacle Race Sports Association is proud to announce Pahlawan Malaysia 2025, the premier… Read More

1 day ago

Tesla Malaysia is Celebrating the ‘Earth Week’ to Rewards Owners in Conjunction with a ‘Refer and Win’ Campaign

Embracing the mission to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy, Tesla Malaysia launches the… Read More

1 day ago

Malaysia’s Viper Niza Racing On The Winners’ Podium At The 12 Hours Of Spa Francorchamps

Malaysians Douglas Khoo, Dominic Ang and Melvin Moh raced to a podium finish at last… Read More

1 day ago

This website uses cookies.