Wispy, white and made of ice crystals cirrus clouds are usually found at altitudes of 5000m or more in New Zealand. They are often seen ahead of a front, and may indicate deteriorating weather conditions. Streaks of cirrus are sometimes called mare's tails. This image, taken at sunrise near Mt Maunganui, NZ, also shows a layer of stratocumulus close to the horizon. Photo taken by Dave Allen.
