Rare cloud formation spotted during storm

The clouds were officially named by the World Meteorological Organisation in 2017 - when this picture was taken

A rare and striking cloud formation has been photographed over Derbyshire.

Asperitas is a thick, wave-like pattern which was only added to official lists in recent years.

Adrian Webster, a keen photographer of natural phenomena, captured the spectacle over Long Eaton as Storm Floris swept across the UK on Monday.

He said: "It was super eye-catching. It was just something I had never seen before."

Asperitas cloud - as seen here in Long Eaton - is noted for its thick, wave-like formations

Mr Webster added: "I am an astronomer and I keep an eye on what is going on up there.

"I like nature at its most extreme. I like going out to see the volcanoes in Iceland, or when there is a thunderstorm, I'll do my best to safely witness that.

"My motivation lies in the awesome, almost incomprehensible power of nature.

"Humans, no matter how hard we try, could never compare to the power that made those clouds."

Meteorologist Kaye Forster said: "Asperitas clouds are fairly rare and newly recognised clouds.

"They were officially named by the World Meteorological Organisation in 2017 and are spotted in the UK only a few times a year.

"It is not fully understood how these clouds are formed but like any 'wave-like' clouds they take their shape by vertical, up-and-down motions in the atmosphere, such as gravity waves.

"They need an unstable atmosphere where the air can rise and fall quickly, allowing rapid change.

"So it is no wonder that these clouds were formed around Storm Floris on Monday, when the atmosphere was very volatile."