wispy clouds have been filling your reports today (Monday 4 July) These are a type of cirrus cloud known as cirrus uncinus The name is derived from Latin and means "curly hooks" They are commonly known as mare's tails because of their likeness to horse tails "Mare's tails and mackerel scales make lofty ships to carry low sails." cirrus uncinus clouds and patchy altocumulus clouds often mean that rain is on its way Here is a selection of the gorgeous mare's tails you have been posting These clustered mares' tails appeared feather-like in Chelmsford Ebb&Flow/Weather watchersImage caption Row of mares' tails seen over Cambridge Wispy cirrus uncinus clouds across Bradshaw Sandie's Valley/Weather WatchersImage caption These great mare's tails were seen over Meltham A sky full of mare tail clouds in Stafford These wispy beauties were captured over North Frodingham What role did weather forecasters play in WW2 victory Watch: How Turner's masterpieces inspired a BBC Weather forecaster VideoHow the UV index works and why it matters Why are showers so hard to forecast Louis Theroux visits the West Bank to meet Israeli settlers Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.