NASA explains unusual hole-punch clouds linked to airplane activity in Kansas

On December 2, 2024, unusual cavum clouds appeared over Wichita, Kansas. These formations, also known as hole-punch clouds, are rare and typically occur in midlevel clouds, especially during winter near busy airports. Cavum clouds form when airplanes fly through supercooled water droplets, causing them to freeze and fall, creating circular voids. The frequency of these clouds increases in winter, particularly in areas with high air traffic, like Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport. The shape and size of cavum clouds depend on the angle of the aircraft passing through. Researchers study these clouds to better understand weather patterns and improve weather predictions, benefiting pilots and travelers.