On Sunday, the sky put on a breathtaking show for those who took the time to look up. Following a series of thunderstorms, the rain cleared to reveal stunning pink, orange, and golden cloud formations known as mammatus clouds. These unique clouds are condensed pockets of sinking cold air that form at the base of a cloud when it encounters a warmer layer of air. They create a distinctive appearance that some describe as looking like cow udders in the sky.
The appearance of mammatus clouds on Sunday was unusual due to how widespread they were, spanning across New Jersey, the Delaware Valley region, and even as far south as northern Delaware. People quickly took to social media to share their photos of the mesmerizing sky scene, with many commenting on its beauty and uniqueness.
Mammatus clouds are typically associated with cumulonimbus clouds, which are known to produce strong storms during warm months. When mammatus clouds are present in a cumulonimbus cloud, it could indicate the likelihood of a particularly severe storm. These cloud formations are formed when a large mass of water vapor rises in the atmosphere during thunderstorms and spreads out as it sinks back down. While mammatus clouds are not dangerous for those on the ground, they can be a concern for pilots due to the turbulence they may create.
Although mammatus clouds are not considered rare, they are most striking at sunset. While they are generally harmless for people on the ground
