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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