A “Hole Punch” cloud is a non-technical name given to a cloud formed from an aircraft dissipation hole or trail. They are also called "Punch Hole" clouds. Rather than extending as a line, Hole Punch clouds appear as a circular or oval hole in a deck or thin layer of supercooled water clouds. They are not uncommon where jet flight paths intersect altocumulus or cirrocumulus layers. What is uncommon is when they form in a perfect circle that persists for a length of time to be widely observed.
 

On December 11, 2003 that’s exactly what happened along the central Gulf Coast. A remarkably circular and persistent Hole Punch cloud formed over Mobile, Alabama at lunchtime. Numerous curious people photographed it. The event was so much a topic of conversation that it was the top local news story of the day.

At wkrg.com in the Weather Education section you'll find a Hole Punch article with background and pictures. Also check the website of the Mobile office of the National Weather Service for an extensive article with links to the synoptic charts of the day. The University of Wisconsin MODIS images give a space perspective both medium and close.

Hole punch clouds are not new. They've been seen around the world and more pictures are on the website for Project Atmosphere Australia.

Download a large image of this hole punch cloud for personal use only.