An example of what to look for, would be an increasing temperature from ground level and then a sudden drop between 500m-1500m above ground level. Photo: Tom WatkinsonĪpps like Ventusky are perfect for assessing if a temperature inversion profile is forecasted, as you can check the temperatures at ground level and at various elevations above.
Morning mist swelling in the valley near the Langdales, Cumbria (October 2021). However, once the sun has risen the clouds will dissipate into a haze before clearing entirely. As the air cools, it becomes saturated and the moisture forms into mist.
The reason for this change in profile is that cold air sinks, therefore on calm, cold and in particular clear nights, the ground (and air above it) rapidly cools and sinks in to the valley floors. A tell-tale sign of a temperature inversion is to look out for smoke from a chimney because it will rise to a level then plateau off horizontally. The standard meteorological profile is that temperature reduces with height (generally about 2☌ for every 300m), whereas during a temperature inversion, it gets warmer as you go up (to a point), with cold air being trapped at ground level. The correct terminology of what you are witnessing is a temperature inversion. The phrase ‘cloud inversion’ is somewhat of a nickname. Sounds simple, right? Well they can be quite elusive still, and they’re governed by a number of factors, but with a good understanding of how they form and what to look for in the weather forecasts, you can increase your chances of seeing one. In principle, the phenomenon occurs when you get a perfect concoction of cold temperatures and high pressure. Photo: Tom WatkinsonĬloud inversions are, in my opinion, one of the best spectacles to witness as a hiker, photographer, fell runner or whatever past-time has you out on the hills. Thor’s Cave in the Manifold valley (November 2020).
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