Morning Glory clouds are most reliably found in the southern part of the Gulf of Carpentaria in Northern Australia.
The Gulf of Carpentaria: A Morning Glory Hotspot
The southern part of the Gulf of Carpentaria in Northern Australia stands out as the only location where the appearance of Morning Glory clouds can be predicted and observed regularly. This phenomenon is due to the unique configuration of the land and sea in this area.
Why Here? The Perfect Storm of Geography and Meteorology
Several factors combine to make this region a prime spot for Morning Glory cloud formation:
- Land and Sea Breeze Collisions: The interaction of sea breezes from the Gulf of Carpentaria with the inland topography creates convergence zones conducive to cloud formation.
- Specific Atmospheric Conditions: Certain temperature and humidity profiles are needed for the clouds to form, and these conditions are prevalent in this area.
- Geographic Configuration: The shape and orientation of the coastline play a crucial role in channeling and concentrating the atmospheric disturbances needed to trigger the cloud formation.
Spotting the Clouds
The best time to see these stunning cloud formations is typically during the dry season (late September to early November).
