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Explaining the science behind those strange clouds spotted over Colorado

Denver7 Chief Meteorologist Mike Nelson explains the science behind the crazy clouds that filled the northern Colorado sky Friday – known as lenticular clouds.

By: Robert Garrison

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DENVER — What were those strange cloud formations seen over Colorado Friday?

Several photos showing the lens-shaped clouds posted by users on our Discover Colorado | Through Your Photos Facebook group have garnered a lot of attention.

They're called lenticular clouds and are caused by the winds coming over the mountains.

"Cool looking lenticular clouds over Longs Peak on this morning's sunrise hike. 02-18-23, f/5.6, 1/640, ISO-400, 24 mm, Lumix g9."

Those winds get turbulent as they go over the mountain peaks, creating a swirling effect and lenticular cloud formations.

Denver7 Chief Meteorologist Mike Nelson goes in-depth in the video below:

Crazy clouds over Colorado: The science, explained

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Explaining the science behind those strange clouds spotted over Colorado

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