Sand, sea, mountains … it’s easy to get lost in the beauty of the Mother City’s natural elements. While you’re absorbing the views, look up and examine the dramatic clouds synonymous with Cape Town skies—they’re anything but normal.

Have you ever wondered about the interesting wispy formations that decorate the sky, or those clouds that look like flying saucers ready to invade Earth? They are in actual fact a direct product of Cape Town’s weather patterns and climate. These are our favourite strange clouds seen gracing the Mother City skies…

Lenticular clouds

Otherwise known as “saucer clouds” because of their UFO appearance, these clouds have a lens-like shape that reminds one of a flying saucer. Lenticular clouds form in high altitudes, which is why they are often seen gathering over mountain ranges. Pilots steer clear of them because of the turbulence they create. You can often see these clouds hovering over Lion’s Head and sometimes on the Twelve Apostles range. They are formed when air moves over mountains and cool sufficiently for condensation to take place. Unlike other cloud formations, these clouds do not move.

View this post on Instagram

 

When Table Mountain isn’t what’s stealing the show ?? • • Remember to be kind, sincere and loving in everything that you do or say x • • • • • • • • #damedraveller #travelaroundcapetown #africa #southafrica #westerncape #explore #capetown #instagramsa #summer #beach #capetownisawesome #capetownskies

A post shared by Ann (@mrs.hesterman) on

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Clouds on a Tuesday

A post shared by Alan Glass (@alanglassct) on

 

View this post on Instagram

 

About to burst cloud, alien space ship or district 9 hahaha ??? #capetownclouds #capetown

A post shared by Zaheerah (@zaheerah26) on

 

Pictures: Instagram

Article written by

We love this place! Cape Town Etc features news, reviews, entertainment and lifestyle in the Mother City.