If you found yourself mesmerised by the clouds this weekend, you’re not alone, we noticed too! Maltese Islands Weather beautifully captured the magnificent skies and kindly answered our question, ‘What are the clouds above us right now?’

The answer could lie in the mesmerising display of 'mackerel skies' (known as Daħar il-Fekruna in Maltese) that have painted the heavens. These clouds, which often appear in an undulating or rippling pattern, are more than just a picturesque sight; they are a reliable harbinger of impending weather changes.

Mackerel skies are typically composed of altocumulus or cirrocumulus clouds and signal the approach of instability in the atmosphere. When you notice these clouds progressively overtaking the sky, you can expect changes in the weather within the next 6 to 12 hours. This transformation often manifests as precipitation or strong winds.

The formation of mackerel skies is a result of a growing moisture content in the atmosphere, primarily due to warm, moist air moving from the south.

In the short term, we might experience stronger southerly winds, while in the long term, fresher temperatures and the return of isolated showers could be in store for the weekend.

So, the next time you look up and see mackerel skies, remember that nature is giving you a subtle hint about the weather to come.

Did you notice the mackerel skies this weekend?