Photo of the Week: Storms on the Horizon

Cloud formations often create fantastic shapes. And when you’re flying above 30,000 feet, being eye level with them gives passengers and pilots a view most don’t see from the ground.

But, harkening back to high school science class, what are the official names of these unique cloud formations?

Blue Sky News doesn’t keep a meteorologist on staff, so we went to the National Weather Service to identify this distinct cloud formation captured by Dave Hussey, who recently flew from Pittsburgh to Denver on Southwest.

Meteorologist Colton Milcarek said the photo showed a classic cumulonimbus cloud. The flat part of the top of the cloud is referred to as the anvil because of its shape, he said.

“Typically, cumulonimbus clouds are storms,” Milcarek said. “Which means rain, thunder, lightning.”

Thanks, Dave, for sharing this amazing weather photo! We hope you stayed dry upon landing.

Our readers continue to pass along shots of unique aircraft, international airports, historical events, gorgeous views and even family vacation photos for this feature. We love them! Keep them coming—you can click here for submission guidelines.