"Mare's Tails and Mackerel Scales..."

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Mackerel Sky

By Brandon Butcher

Story Published: Mar 18, 2007 at 6:09 PM EST

Story Updated: Mar 25, 2007 at 4:30 PM EST

"Mare's Tails and Mackerel Scales Make Tall Ships Take in Their Sails..."
The 'Mare's Tail' in this weather proverb refers to 'cirrus' clouds in the sky, and the 'Mackerel Scales' or 'Mackerel Sky' refers to 'cirrocumulus' clouds. The cirrocumulus clouds are a bit more distinct, and seem rarer because they're not specifically looked for. They often precede an approaching warm front, and indicate good moisture in the higher levels of the atmosphere. In time, often this is followed by the gradual arrival of lower clouds...and precipitation.

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