The phrase describes a specific cloud formation. Characterized by rippling patterns resembling fish scales, this atmospheric phenomenon occurs when high-altitude cirrocumulus or altocumulus clouds arrange themselves in a textured sheet. The appearance is often indicative of changes in weather conditions.
Observing these cloud formations can provide clues about approaching weather systems. Their presence often precedes a larger weather disturbance, signaling a shift in atmospheric stability. Historically, sailors and weather enthusiasts have relied on these visual cues for short-term forecasting, connecting observed cloud patterns with subsequent changes in precipitation and wind direction. This association stems from the atmospheric dynamics that create these formations, specifically temperature inversions and wind shear at higher altitudes.
