| Cirrus uncinus | |
|---|---|
 Cirrus uncinus cloud | |
| Abbreviation | Ci unc |
| Genus | Cirrus (curl) |
| Species | uncinus (hook) |
| Altitude | Above 7000 m (Above 23,000 ft) |
| Classification | Family A (High-level) |
| Appearance | curly, hooked |
| Precipitation | 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.[1]
The clouds occur at 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.[2]
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Cirrus uncinus clouds in Salinas Victoria, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. -
- ^ WMO. "Cirrus uncinus (Ci unc)". International Cloud Atlas. Retrieved 2019-06-25.
- ^ "Learn About Cirrus Uncinus Clouds: Curved, Comma-shaped". whatsthiscloud. Retrieved 2019-06-25.