What type of weather conditions can indicate mountain wave activity?

Mountain wave activity often occurs in conditions where stable air is forced to flow over mountain ranges. This phenomenon typically leads to the formation of standing wave patterns in the atmosphere, which can produce significant turbulence.

One primary indicator of mountain wave activity is the presence of clouds. Specifically, lenticular clouds, which form in a wave pattern perpendicular to the flow of the wind, are frequently associated with these conditions. This type of cloud formation signals that stable air is being displaced and returning to a balance, highlighting turbulence in the air associated with the terrain below.

Consistently high humidity alone does not necessarily indicate mountain wave activity; it can occur in various weather situations. While clear skies might seem indicative, they typically represent stable air with minimal turbulence, which is not a characteristic of mountain wave phenomena. Temperature inversions can contribute to mountain wave activity but are not the sole factor, as the presence of clouds is a more visible and consistent indicator of these complex atmospheric conditions.