What causes Cloud Streets?

Mr. Dennis Cryer shared some really cool photos with me. Mr. Cryer noticed this interesting cloud formation while looking out the window of his Chicago-bound flight. When the low-level air begins to rise, clouds can form. On some days there is a layer of stable air above, and that limits the vertical extent of the convection. If the wind is fairly uniform the clouds can form “streets”. As in Mr. Cryer’s photos, there are parallel lines of clouds alternating with clear air. These are caused by the rising/sinking air produced by the rotating horizontal cylinders in the atmosphere. Very cool!