Lenticular clouds are strange phenomena created when strong winds blow over a mountain range or hill (Image: BBC WeatherWatcher/Ybbon)

Skygazers in northern parts of the UK have been treated to an uncommon and magical display of clouds resembling flying saucers or UFOs.

Known as lenticular clouds, these strange phenomena are created when strong winds blow over a mountain range or hill, forming a wave shape that causes air to bounce downwind.

These spectacular clouds form on top of the bounced air and appear to be stacked on top of each other.

They are not often seen in the UK and typically form to the side of mountains, with Sierra Nevada and Cascade ranges often displaying them.

The Met Office explained: “These lens-shaped orographic wave clouds form when the air is stable and winds blow across hills and mountains from the same or similar direction at different heights through the troposphere.”

They are said to be the most pronounced during either sunrise or sunset due to the low sun illuminating them. They are known to pose aviation hazards.

“Pilots of powered aircraft tend to avoid flying near lenticular clouds because of the turbulence that accompanies them,” said the Met Office.

The national meteorological service added that skilled or brave glider pilots often prefer flying with these types of clouds in the sky as “they can tell from the shape of the clouds where the air will be rising”.

Lenticular clouds were visible on Thursday and Friday mornings in North-east England.

Those hoping to catch a glimpse of the sky wonders could be in luck this weekend.

People in the North-west are advised there is a high chance they will be visible around north Cumbria, Moray and potentially north Wales.