Mackerel Sky More Wet than Dry

A old weather saying, "mackerel sky, more wet than dry," came to mind the other day as we were heading up the lake to the cabin. Clouds here in Coastal BC offer a beautiful display in addition to their forcasting properties. I am constantly taking pictures of the sky in all of its moods.

A mackerel sky is made up of altocumulus clouds, indicators of moisture and instability in the atmosphere. The clouds ride at intermediate levels from 2400-6100 metres (8000-20,000 feet). Altocumulus clouds often precede rain showers or snow flurries. "Mackerel sky" is the common name for these clouds because they look like scales on a mackerel.

Thanks for visiting! -- Margy