The World’s Weather Authority Has Made Your Geography O’Level Harder

For the first time in three decades, the WMO (World Meteorological Organization) has updated their international cloud atlas with new cloud types and ‘supplementary features’.

That means your cumulus and cumulonimbus knowledge is no longer enough to show how cloud-savvy you really are. Here are the new buzzwords you’ll have to learn.

1. Volutus cloud formations 

Albeit it kinda rare, Volutus (also known as roll clouds) form low-level and horizontal tubes. They’re also an indicator of storms to come.

2. Asperitas formations

Wave-like and rough, these clouds were added on the recommendation of the Cloud Appreciation Society (yes, a real thing).

3. Murus clouds

Wall clouds are now a thing. They’re clouds with lowering rotating bases and sometimes the starting point for tornadoes.

4. Cauda clouds

More commonly referred to as a tail cloud, these formations extend horizontally away from their Murus companion, and create what is known as ‘air feeding into the storm’.

5. Cavum clouds

Have you ever seen a cloud and thought: who the hell punched a hole in this? Well, it now has a name, and that name is cavum.

6. Fluctus clouds

Like Ghajn Tuffieha every winter, fluctus clouds are wavy AF.

Tag a friend who always sucked at geography

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