Home / Editor's Pick /

Lenticular clouds: Like something from outer space!

16:30
19 December 2023

Lenticular clouds
Like something from outer space!

A Weather & Radar user captured these in Východná.lenticular cloudsAnother user captured this lenticular cloud in Podolínec.Here the sunset lights up the sky and the cloud perfectly.
1/4
A Weather & Radar user captured this in Východná. - © Michal

Breath-taking lenticular clouds were spotted in Slovakia recently, as the sunset lit the sky with magical colours.

Amidst a weekend of spectacular cloud spotting, these lenticular clouds were seen in Slovakia on Sunday 18th December 2023.

These clouds formed due to strong north-westerly winds over the High Tatra Mountains and were spotted from the municipality of Ľubica, approximately 650 metres above sea level.

Lenticular clouds are a type of atmospheric cloud formation that often appears over mountain ranges or other geographical features that disrupt the flow of air.

These clouds are lens-shaped and typically form at high altitudes where stable, moist air flows over an obstacle such as a mountain.

They form as a result of air flow and pressure variations within standing waves, and also form in parallel alignment to the wind direction. The clouds appear stacked on top of each other, giving them a layered or pancake-like appearance.

Lenticular clouds are stationary and do not move with the wind like many other cloud types. They're often mistaken for UFOs due to their saucer-like shape, and their appearance is often associated with turbulence and changing weather conditions.

Nacreous clouds that form in the lower stratosphere can also sometimes have lenticular shapes.

Surreal nacreous clouds in Scandinaviaread more
More on the topic
Split weather map comparing two wind conditions over the Atlantic. The left side shows a powerful cyclone near the US East Coast, with a distinct eye surrounded by intense purple and red bands of strong winds. The right side shows calmer conditions, mostly green shading with lighter winds illustrated by white streamlines and small yellow patches. An arrow in the centre indicates the transition from storm to calmer weather.
Wednesday 10 September 2025

Since Erin

Hurricane season exceptionally calm
Flooded road with cars in the water. Next to it, a weather map with a warning symbol. Heavy rain causes regional flooding.
Tuesday 9 September 2025

Towns flooded

Heavy rain hits Europe
Sunday 7 September 2025

Your weather - Your shots

Capturing a stormy week
All weather news
This might also interest you
Monday 25 August 2025

Bank holiday outlook

Warm day turning gusty in places
Weather map of the UK and Ireland showing scattered showers with cloudy patches across much of the region, especially around western and northern areas. Sunshine symbols appear over London, Cardiff, and parts of southern England, while temperatures range from 17°C to 18°C in most places. Areas of heavier rain are visible over the Atlantic to the west.
Friday 29 August 2025

Breakfast brief

Unsettled conditions into the weekend
Wednesday 27 August 2025

Breakfast brief

Frontal system brings heavy rain
All articles
Weather & Radar

www.weatherandradar.ie

facebooktwitteryouTubeContact uslinkList
Privacy Policy | Legal info | Accessibility statement