Cirrus uncinus cloud
| Cirrus uncinus | |
|---|---|
|
Cirrus uncinus cloud | |
| Abbreviation | Ci unc |
| Genus | Cirrus (curl of hair) |
| Species | uncinus (hooked) |
| Altitude |
Above 7000 m (Above 23,000 ft) |
| Classification | Family A (High-level) |
| Appearance | curly, hooked |
| Precipitation cloud? | No, but may indicate precipitation approach. |
Cirrus uncinus is a type of cirrus cloud. The name cirrus uncinus is derived from Latin, meaning "curly hooks". Also known as mares' tails, these clouds are generally sparse in the sky and very thin.
The clouds occur at very high altitudes, at a temperature of about −50 to −40 °C (−58 to −40 °F). They are generally seen when a warm or occluded front is approaching. They are very high in the troposphere and generally mean that precipitation, usually rain, is approaching.
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