Check out these stunning “breaking wave” clouds spotted today in MA! Tim and Susan from our 1°Outside Community sent in separate photos via the “Send to Us” tab in our app, and it’s a perfect example of Kelvin–Helmholtz clouds in action.
(*Thanks to Tim in Berlin, MA for this shot! And Susan in Acton, MA – picture at the top!)
So what exactly are Kelvin–Helmholtz clouds? Think of them as the sky’s roller coasters – ripply, cresting waves that form when faster-moving air flows over a slightly slower layer below. The resulting shear creates those shoulders-and-ridges patterns that look just like wind-swept ocean waves frozen in the sky.
Here’s why they’re so cool (literally and figuratively):
Rare choreography: You need just the right mix of stable air beneath and faster winds aloft. When it comes together, you get that dramatic, seas-on-the-sky effect.
Short-lived show: These clouds often break apart within minutes, so catching them on camera is like nailing the perfect wave at the beach.
Atmospheric clues: Seeing Kelvin–Helmholtz formations hints at wind shear and can signal upcoming changes in the weather.
A big thanks to Tim & Susan for sharing their photos – nothing beats real-time info from YOU! If you see something spectacular, remember to tap “Send to Us” in the FREE 1DegreeOutside app. Whether it’s a rainbow, an epic sunset, or another rare cloud formation, we want to feature your photos right here.
