KOTA KINABALU: The peak of Mount Kinabalu drew more admiring eyes than usual yesterday, as it was shrouded by an unusual lenticular cloud formation.
Although mesmerising in itself, the cloud also resembled a traditional Kadazandusun headgear known as ‘sirung nabalu’ or ‘sigar nabalu’ – which gave the phenomenon even greater significance.
The rare sight could be viewed from Kota Belud, Pekan Nabalu and Kundasang highland, and became the focus of locals and tourists, many of whom shared their images on social media.
A Sabah Meteorological Department spokesperson said yesterday’s cloud formation was rare, but not unprecedented.
“Lenticular clouds are formed when damp air passes through a barrier such as a mountain, resulting in a whirlwind that forms the cloud.
“In the vicinity of this cloud formation, wind turbulence is strong. Typically, this situation is dangerous to aircraft which pass through the area,” he explained when contacted.
Lenticular clouds are stationary and form in the troposphere (between six to 10 kilometres above the earth’s surface), typically in perpendicular alignment to wind direction. The lens-shaped clouds are also called UFO clouds.
Mount Kinabalu Guide Association chairman Junaydie Sihan said lenticular clouds are not unfamiliar to mountain guides. He said the formations are widely admired for their beauty.
“However, some Kundasang and Pekan Nabalu folks believe it is a sign of (oncoming) drought,” he added.