Everyday skies · genus
Cirrocumulus
A sky full of tiny scales
Full credit
Own work
Displayed at reduced resolution. See the original file for full licensing information.
Full credit
Own work
Displayed at reduced resolution. See the original file for full licensing information.
Full credit
Own work
Displayed at reduced resolution. See the original file for full licensing information.
Swipe or scroll sideways to explore the photographs. Photos may include other cloud types; names and credits come from their source records.
Spot it
Very small white grains or ripples, usually without shaded sides.
How it forms
Fine structure develops in a high cloud layer.
Read the sky
The pattern reveals structure aloft rather than a definite surface-weather outcome.
Where to look
Look high overhead for small, closely packed elements.
Little sky facts
Reveal fact 1
Its elements usually look much smaller than altocumulus cloudlets.
Reveal fact 2
The small grains are generally white.
Reveal fact 3
Rows and ripples are common arrangements.
Reveal fact 4
The pattern may occur alongside cirrus or cirrostratus.
Try this
Count the little ripples in one patch.
Draw your own cloud ↗Read a little deeper
Met Office · formation and weather
Conditions described here are places to look, not a global frequency ranking. Use local weather forecasts and warnings for decisions. Never look directly at the Sun.