Cirrus on the Wings of the Wind

Cirrus flying along on the wings of high altitude winds created this picturesque scene in southwest Iowa during a hot July day in 2022. Notice the sweeping curls of ice crystals spreading into hair-like formations. Surface air temperatures were warmer than 90 F but at the cloud level readings were well below freezing. Cirrus are often seen in the sky either in lonely patches or are gradually thickening and lowering as a storm approaches. Scattered patches indicate fair weather but if the clouds gather look for a change as a storm system is likely in the area and approaching.

Storms come in different sizes and intensities. They may move fast or slow. They may be weak or intense. The rate at which clouds thicken and lower may indicate how fast a storm is approaching, how large it is, and available moisture and upward motion. Being weather wise means being in tune with how the weather is changing. Watching the sky provides a hint of what is happening.

Photo Copyright 2022 by Craig Johnson, Weather Briefing, LC. Looking east from Etna Ave in Adair, County, Iowa.