Stratocumulus perlucidus
Sc pe
Stratocumulus perlucidus
© wetterkurs.ch
Description
The name "perlucidus" (Latin: translucent) describes a Stratocumulus variety in which distinct gaps are present between the individual cloud elements, through which blue sky, the sun, the moon, or stars become visible. It consists of an extensive layer, often covering the entire sky, of grey or whitish cloud patches that is nevertheless not completely closed. The gaps are characteristically small to medium-sized and are usually distributed evenly across the cloud layer. This variety occurs frequently during the cold season or during stable weather situations with weak convection.
Identification Features
- Extensive layer of grey or whitish cloud patches
- Distinct gaps visible between the cloud elements
- Blue sky, the sun, the moon, or stars are visible through the gaps
- Cloud elements appear relatively regularly arranged
- Base typically between 600 and 2,000 metres
- Low vertical extent, rather flat structure
- No or only very little precipitation activity
Occurrence by genus
Highlighted: all genera with which perlucidus occurs.
Meteorological Significance
Stratocumulus perlucidus typically occurs during stable weather situations with a weak inversion in the lower troposphere. The clouds generally bring no or only minor precipitation and indicate overall calm weather. With increasing cloud cover and closing of the gaps, the cloud can develop into Stratocumulus opacus, indicating a deterioration of visibility conditions. If the clouds continue to break up, clearing weather can be expected. In winter, this cloud type can contribute to prolonged overcast periods below an inversion.
Facts
- WMO-Code
- Sc pe
- Height layer
- Low clouds
- Typical height
- 0.6 - 2.0 km
- Genus
- STRATOCUMULUS