Wave clouds, or Kelvin-Helmholtz waves as they are scientifically called, are not a rare weather phenomenon in general, they just don’t usually occur in Alabama too often.  Generally these wave clouds occur in areas of the atmosphere (at cloud level) where winds can build up significant speed. This is the same concept that causes waves to form in the ocean, as thicker fluids are pulled by less-dense, fast-moving air. In Birmingham’s case, Chis Walcek, a meteorologist at the Atmospheric Science Research Center at SUNY explained, “In the picture of the Birmingham sky, there is probably a cold layer of air near the ground where the wind speed is probably low. That is why there is a cloud or fog in that layer. Over this cloudy, cold, slow-moving layer is probably a warmer and faster-moving layer of air.” - Nashville WX I want these clouds!

Wave clouds, or Kelvin-Helmholtz waves as they are scientifically called, are not a rare weather phenomenon in general, they just don’t usually occur in Alabama too often.  Generally these wave clouds occur in areas of the atmosphere (at cloud level) where winds can build up significant speed. This is the same concept that causes waves to form in the ocean, as thicker fluids are pulled by less-dense, fast-moving air. In Birmingham’s case, Chis Walcek, a meteorologist at the Atmospheric Science Research Center at SUNY explained, “In the picture of the Birmingham sky, there is probably a cold layer of air near the ground where the wind speed is probably low. That is why there is a cloud or fog in that layer. Over this cloudy, cold, slow-moving layer is probably a warmer and faster-moving layer of air.” - Nashville WX

I want these clouds!

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Sometimes I write things on Nashvillest.com and other times I work a real job that involves lots of airports, hotels, spreadsheets and the occasional pantsuit. Avid roadtripper, lover of redbud trees and firm believer in taking the scenic route. These are a few of my favorite things.

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