Cirrocumulus clouds

Cirrocumulus clouds form honeycomb ripples

Characteristics.

Cirrocumulus clouds are small white clouds made of ice crystals called cloudlets. The cloudlets are usually grouped together at high levels. Cirrocumulus clouds are often arranged as ripples in the sky.

Cirrocumulus can sometimes appear to look like the scales of a fish hence the name a mackerel sky.

What's in a name?

cirrus - lock or tuft of hair. Cumulus - heap.

How was it made?

Cirrocumulus cloudlets are usually made up of both ice and 'supercooled' water. Cirrocumulus form when turbulent vertical winds meet a cirrus layer. This helps to create the fluffy shape.

What weather will you have if these are overhead?

Any snow or rain from cirrocumulus clouds never reaches the ground. A fair weather cloud, their appearance can give way to stormy weather.

How high is it?

Anywhere from 7,000m (20,000ft) up to 13,000m (40,000 ft).

The outcome for you.

Dry and some sun but may be wet tomorrow.