London residents were treated to a spectacular sky show on Sunday evening as rare asperitas cloud formations created a mesmerizing sunset display across the city. The unusual weather phenomenon caught the attention of locals, with photos of the dramatic sky making rounds on social media.

The stunning cloud formations appeared to “kiss” the sunset, creating what one local photographer described as a scene that looked “computer generated.” The asperitas clouds, characterized by their distinctive wave-like undulations, are among the rarest cloud types and were only officially classified by the World Meteorological Organization in 2017.

These dramatic clouds form when different air masses create turbulence in the atmosphere, resulting in the characteristic rolling, wave-like patterns that can stretch across the sky. The formation gets its name from the Latin word “asperitas,” meaning roughness, which perfectly describes their textured appearance.

Sunday’s display was particularly striking as the unusual cloud formations coincided with golden hour lighting, creating an otherworldly atmosphere over London’s skyline. The combination of the rare meteorological event with the warm sunset colours produced a visual spectacle that had residents reaching for their cameras.

Local weather enthusiasts noted that asperitas clouds are typically associated with thunderstorms, though they can appear in various weather conditions. The formations are most commonly observed in the Plains states of the United States, making their appearance over southwestern Ontario particularly noteworthy.

The dramatic sky display was visible across multiple areas of London, with the cloud formations creating different visual effects depending on the viewing angle and location. Some observers reported that the clouds appeared to be moving in slow, rolling motions, adding to the surreal quality of the evening sky.

Photography enthusiasts particularly appreciated the unfiltered nature of the display, with many commenting that the natural lighting and cloud formations required no digital enhancement to achieve their striking appearance. The raw beauty of the meteorological phenomenon provided a rare opportunity for spectacular nature photography right in the heart of the city.

Asperitas clouds are considered one of the most photogenic cloud types due to their dramatic appearance and the way they interact with lighting conditions. Sunday’s display over London served as a reminder of the unexpected natural beauty that can appear in urban skies, providing residents with a memorable end to their weekend.