Unusual, saucer-shaped clouds drew attention along the Dorset coast on Monday morning (20 July) when they were photographed from Sandbanks Beach in Poole. The formations, often mistaken for unidentified flying objects because of their smooth, lens-like appearance, were identified as lenticular clouds, a recognised atmospheric phenomenon that forms in the troposphere.
What was seen at Sandbanks
A local resident preparing to swim captured the formations and later supplied the images. She said she was struck by their scale and symmetry and deliberately waited for a swimmer to enter the frame to provide a sense of proportion.
“I immediately thought, Wow, look at those clouds! I took some photos when I arrived at the beach, just as I was going in to the water. They looked spectacular, especially from the shoreline, which is what made me photograph them.”
Photographs show a series of towering, smooth-edged cloud masses on the horizon above the sea. Observers noted that, despite the striking appearance, others on the beach did not appear to be taking an interest at the time.
How lenticular clouds form
Lenticular clouds are stationary, lens-shaped clouds that develop primarily in the troposphere. They form when stable, moist air flows over a mountain, ridge or other topographical obstacle and sets up a standing wave pattern. Where the airflow rises and cools to its dew point, a lens-shaped cloud can form and often remains in the same place until the airflow or conditions change.
- Appearance: Smooth, symmetrical, often stacked or layered, giving a saucer-like look.
- Location: Common near hills and coastal ridges but visible from shorelines as shown in the Sandbanks images.
- Misperception: Their shape and stillness frequently lead to comparisons with UFOs.
Local interest and context
Sandbanks, with its low-lying stretches of beach and views towards nearby headlands, can provide the right vantage point for such cloud formations when the airflow and humidity align. While the appearance is attention-grabbing, the phenomenon itself is harmless and short-lived. Photographs like those taken on Monday help illustrate the variety of weather-related sights that can occur along the Dorset coastline during summer.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | 20 July |
| Location | Sandbanks Beach, Poole |
| Observer | A local swimmer who photographed the clouds |
| Type of cloud | Lenticular (saucer-shaped) |
These formations are a reminder of the varied and occasionally dramatic skies seen along the Dorset coast. Residents and visitors who spot similar features are encouraged to photograph them for local interest, noting time and location so meteorologists and local media can place the sights in context.
