What do lenticular clouds mean?
A lenticular cloud is a lens-shaped cloud that normally develops on the downwind side of a mountain or mountain range. This occurs when stable, moist air flows over a mountain, creating a series of oscillating waves.
Are lenticular clouds rare?
If you don’t live in close proximation to mountains, you might think lenticular clouds are rare. But if you’re situated in a mountainous region, or on the leeward side of a mountain range, the chances of seeing lenticularis clouds increases significantly.
Are lenticular clouds common?
Lenticular clouds form most often in winter, but it is not uncommon to see them at other times of the year. These images were taken in August.
What weather do lenticular clouds bring?
Characterized for their “lens” shape and seemingly stable, motionless appearance. From a forecast perspective they indicate a strong flow of wind aloft, and will typically bring a downsloping wind to the Front Range and a big temperature boost.
What causes lenticular?
These lens-shaped orographic wave clouds form when the air is stable and winds blow across hills and mountains from the same or similar direction at different heights through the troposphere.
How long do lenticular clouds last?
If you live near or spend time in the mountains, you have likely seen a spectacular smooth lens-shaped cloud called a lenticular. There is no significant weather produced by a lenticular, but their presence often foretells snow in the next 24-48 hours.
Are lenticular clouds high or low?
Lenticular clouds may look like they’re from outer space. But they’re actually the result of normal scientific processes that happen right here on Earth! They are stationary clouds that form at high altitudes. They’re usually aligned at a right angle (perpendicular) to the direction of the wind.
Where are lenticular clouds common?
Lenticular clouds (Altocumulus lenticularis, meaning “shaped like a lentil” in Latin) mostly develop among the crests and valleys of mountainous terrain. They are associated with waves in the atmosphere that form when moist air flow is forced up, over and partway down a mountaintop.
What do you mean by lenticular?
Definition of lenticular 1 : having the shape of a double-convex lens. 2 : of or relating to a lens. 3 : provided with or utilizing lenticules a lenticular screen.
Do lenticular clouds move?
They stay in the crests of the mountain waves and do not move with the wind flow. Even standing lenticular clouds are classified by their altitude.
How do lenticular images work?
Lenticular print combines a clear plastic lens front layer with a printed backing layer. The print may be onto conventional paper which is then carefully aligned and laminated to the plastic lens material, or it may be directly printed (often by UV inkjet) onto the smooth rear face of the clear plastic.