(a storm chaser observing mammatus clouds) We are closer and closer to severe weather season here in the QCA, and a cloud you may notice might be the Mammatus cloud. This cloud has a sagging pouch-like appearance that is usually caused by cold air sinking in the clouds, this lowers the cloud base and creates the sagging apperance. There are quite a few hypothesises on how these clouds actually form, each is unique and can be individually proven. Though of course each environmental situation is different so the formation of these clouds can differ slightly depending on the atmospheric conditions of that particular day.
As rare as these clouds are we might see a fair amount in the mid-west during severe weatehr season. They have been know to appear just after a thunderstorm with the sinking cold air behind the rain. They are also said to be seen before the formation of a tornado, but that happens to be a common misconception.
If you happen to see some of these clouds feel free to take a picture and send it to us at the CBS4 Weather Center. tmichels@cbs4qc.com
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