Sunrise Mammatus Clouds

Photographer: Paul Anton Mahinay 
Summary Authors: Paul Anton Mahinay; Jim Foster

Shown above are golden mammatus clouds observed during sunrise in the province of Rizal, Philippines, on October 16, 2020. Most often reported toward sunset, when thunderstorms are more active, these pouchy clouds form when cold air from a downdraft is thrust against the storm’s cloud base. Though often attention-getting, mammatus don't reliably herald the onset of severe weather.

Photo Details: Taken using a smartphone; F2.4; 1/144 second exposure; 1.87 mm; ISO 40.

• Rizal, Philippines Coordinates: 14.5586, 121.1361
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