Altocumulus mackerel sky
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| Altocumulus mackerel sky | |
 Mackerel sky over Lincolnshire, England. |
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| Abbreviation | Ac |
|---|---|
| Symbol |  |
| Genus | Alto- (mediumhigh) -cumulus (heaped) |
| Altitude | 2400-6100 m (8000-20,000 ft) |
| Classification | Family B (Medium-level) |
| Appearance | Clumps and rolls of clouds that resemble mackerel scales altogether |
A mackerel sky is an indicator of moisture (the cloud) and instability (the cumulus form) at intermediate levels (2400-6100 m, 8000-20,000 ft). If the lower atmosphere is stable and no moist air moves in, the weather will most likely remain dry. However, moisture at lower levels combined with surface temperature instability can lead to rainshowers or thunderstorms should the rising moist air reach this layer. In the winter it is often said to precede snowstorms and flurries. There is an old saying, "Mackerel sky, mackerel sky. Never long wet and never long dry." The phrase 'mackerel sky' came from the fact that it looks similar to the markings of an adult king mackerel.
 Mackerel sky over Edmonton, Alberta. |
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