PICS | Sky spectacle stuns KZN as rare clouds ripple across sunset

KwaZulu-Natal residents were left in awe on Wednesday evening as a spectacular cloud formation stretched across the skyline at sunset, prompting many to stop and capture the rare sight. Many residents, some from Pietermaritzburg and Durban, described the scene as breathtaking and unlike anything they had seen in recent months, with some comparing the cloud patterns to waves rolling across the sky. Residents from various parts of Pietermaritzburg said the clouds created a calming atmosphere as they paused to admire the unusual formation.

One resident said they were curious to know about the weather pattern forming. “The sky looked absolutely beautiful. I shared the images with my family in different cities, and they shared similar pictures.

Our skyline has been showing off lately with beautiful sunsets and sunrises,” said one resident. South African Weather Service (Saws) meteorologist Lehlohonlo Thobela identified the formation as cirrocumulus clouds. He explained that cirrocumulus clouds are high-altitude clouds that often appear in small rippling patterns or patches and can sometimes indicate changing weather conditions.

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“We are expecting isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers over the western parts of KZN today and tomorrow, with cold to cool conditions continuing into the weekend. However, not much rain is expected,” said Thobela. Thobela added that the cooler conditions are expected to persist into the weekend, although widespread rainfall is not anticipated across the province.

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