Friday 16th May 2025

This hooked form of the high, streaked ice-crystal cloud Cirrus is known as Cirrus uncinus (which is the Latin word for ‘hooked’). Sometimes called mares’ tails, these formations are traditionally associated with the arrival of unsettled weather. But this only applies when the clouds gather and invade the whole sky. Valerie Laabs-Siemon (Member 62,461) spotted these patches of Cirrus uncinus over Clay Cliffs near Twizel, New Zealand. Hers heralded no change in the weather. They served instead just to highlight the jagged forms of the rock, which they did with a soft, silky flick of their tails.




Each day, we send a Cloud-a-Day like this to our subscribing members.

Join the Society

Become a member of the Cloud Appreciation Society.

Join Now

Gift a Membership

Give a year of Cloud Appreciation Society membership to a friend or loved one.

Gift Membership