Rare UFO-shaped clouds spotted in Welsh skies

Rare UFO-shaped clouds spotted in Welsh skies

Amelia Shone-Adams - BBC Wales

Mon, January 5, 2026 at 6:02 PM UTC

2 min read

Mysterious and unusual shaped clouds have been spotted in the skies in north Wales.

The quirky-shaped clouds have been described as looking like flying saucers, pancakes, lentils and have even been previously mistaken for UFOs.

Known as lenticular clouds, they are uncommon in the UK as they can only form under the right weather conditions.

Photos have been shared after they appeared last week, with Anglesey's south-west coast producing some of the most striking views.

The unique formations are often referred to as pancake clouds as they appear flat and are sometimes stacked together.

Their official name is lenticular clouds, originating from a Latin word meaning "lens-like".

People visiting Traeth Llanddwyn in Newborough were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the sight as they drifted over from the Pen Llŷn mountains.

Hikers in Snowdonia and the Llŷn Peninsula were taken aback by the clouds as they made a quick appearance only lasting for about 10 minutes.

Dove Rosalinda often hikes in Snowdonia and said she had seen UFO clouds before.

She described her first time seeing the phenomenon as "special" because they do not last very long.

How are UFO clouds formed?

UFO or lenticular clouds form when stable, moist air travels over mountains and creates standing waves in the atmosphere.

As the air cools, it then condenses into flat clouds, often stacking up like UFOs or pancakes.

Lenticular clouds often signify strong winds on the ground below.

The Met Office said: "When air blows across a mountain range, in certain circumstances, it can set up a train of large standing waves in the air downstream, rather like ripples forming in a river when water flows over an obstruction.

"If there is enough moisture in the air, the rising motion of the wave will cause water vapour to condense, forming the unique appearance of lenticular clouds."

The Met Office says pilots avoid flying near the lenticular clouds as they can cause turbulence but some experienced glider pilots like them as it is a visual representation of where the air is rising.

Rare UFO-shaped clouds spotted in Welsh skies

Rare UFO-shaped clouds spotted in Welsh skies

How are UFO clouds formed?

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