The sky over Komotini in northeastern Greece was transformed into a striking natural display on Wednesday afternoon, as rare mammatus clouds appeared above the city.

The unusual formations, known for their distinctive pouch-like shapes hanging from the underside of clouds, created an almost surreal scene as they combined with the colors of the sunset.

Residents quickly captured photos of the phenomenon, with images spreading widely on social media shortly after the clouds appeared.

What are mammatus clouds?

Mammatus clouds are named after the Latin word mamma, meaning “breast,” due to their characteristic rounded, hanging shapes. They form when warm, moist air interacts with colder air masses, creating strong upward and downward air currents in the atmosphere.

Although they are visually impressive, mammatus clouds are also considered a sign of atmospheric instability and are often associated with powerful thunderstorms or other intense weather conditions.

For residents of Komotini, however, the rare formation offered a spectacular view, turning an ordinary afternoon into a memorable natural event.