Rare weather phenomenon spotted over Greater Manchester

A rare weather phenomenon has been spotted in the skies over Greater Manchester this afternoon.

Cloudwatchers took to social media on Wednesday (March 27) to share pictures of rare mammatus clouds over Irlam. The uncommon formations were seen following the heavy showers in the region this afternoon.

According to the Met Office, "Mammatus clouds are some of the most unusual and distinctive clouds formations with a series of bulges or pouches emerging from the base of a cloud.

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"The shape of mammatus formations can vary widely; from the classic protruding shape, to a more elongated tube hanging from the cloud above."

Weather experts say the clouds 'are usually formed in association with large cumulonimbus clouds', with the turbulence within the cumulonimbus cloud causing mammatus to form. The clouds are commonly found around thunderstorms, which are brought about by the huge mass of unstable air in cumulonimbus clouds.

Mammatus comes from the Latin mamma which translates to "udder" or "breast". This refers to the protruding shapes formed by the unusual formations.

The appearance follows an afternoon of heavy rain across Greater Manchester.