How are fallstreak clouds formed? [Video]

They look like a perfect circular gap in a cloud formation and can capture people’s attention on a winter day.

Fallstreak clouds were visible across Manitoba on Thursday, with several viewers snapping photos of the unique phenomenon.

Fallstreak holes, also known as hole punch clouds, were observed around Manitoba on January 2, 2024. (Mark Berard)

“It’s one of those interesting meteorological phenomena that it looks really neat to see when it occurs,” said Danielle Desjardins, a meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Fallstreak clouds, also known as holepunch clouds, typically form within mid- to high-level clouds, Desjardins said, and are created when water droplets freeze.

Fallstreak holes, also known as hole punch clouds, were observed around Manitoba on January 2, 2024. (Gloria McIvor)

“Once ice crystals are introduced into the clouds, typically by a plane passing through the cloud, this allows the water droplets to freeze, and they grow …