What the Helmholtz? Rare clouds blanket Peggy's Cove
Photos show rare Kelvin-Helmholtz clouds forming over Peggy's Cove, N.S. We explain the wave-like formations.
It’s usually the lighthouse that’s the centre of attention in Peggy’s Cove, N.S., but on the morning of Nov. 6, it was the clouds.
These photos taken by Marcy Graves show what are known as Kelvin-Helmholtz clouds.
The Weather Network meteorologist, Rachel Modestino, says they remind us that the atmosphere is also fluid. The clouds are caused by strong, vertical wind shear and adequate moisture.
(Marcy Graves/Submitted to The Weather Network)
The clouds don’t produce precipitation, but if you’re flying, they’re a good indicator for turbulence.
The fairly rare clouds are named after physicists, Lord Kelvin (William Thomson) and Hermann von Helmholtz.
Thumbnail is courtesy of Marcy Graves.