Kelvin-Helmholtz clouds, again.

SURF’S UP?!? This incredible wave-like cloud/fog formation on Puget Sound behind Whidbey Island was captured Tuesday morning from Mukilteo.

The formations are called Kelvin-Helmholtz clouds and occur when you have conflicting winds blowing on top of each other. In this case, it appears a north wind pushed across the fog bank being carried by a southerly breeze and caused a visible eddy on the top of the fog layer. This area is notorious for converging winds where the southerlies from the Seattle area meet up with the westerlies that turn north down the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Usually the battle is fought in the skies above but this time the fog illustrated the converging surface winds.
(Photo courtesy: Jodi Poissant)  Scott Sistek Meteorologist

 

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