'Bizarre' cloud formations seen across the country

Strange cloud formations have been spotted in some parts of New Zealand today. Photo / MetService

As sunshine warms up New Zealand this weekend, the MetService has shared images of some strange cloud formations seen across the country.

A "UFO-shaped" lenticular cloud was seen at Masterton today.

Another interesting cloud at Masterton. You can see this one from above on the visibile satellite image at https://t.co/rcECVuGXOw ^JM pic.twitter.com/ZePyXXF6CF

— MetService (@MetService) October 14, 2017

The MetService says lenticular clouds common in New Zealand as they are caused by waves generated by air rushing over mountains.

Some Kiwis have mistaken lenticular clouds for UFOs and last year a photo caused panic in Northland with some believing that it was an "alien spaceship trying to enter the atmosphere."

The oval cloud was a pink colour, and initially, locals believed it was the ship's red-hot hull.

Fears that aliens were taking over Northland were allayed by the MetService last year.

"Often when we get these clouds we get the association with spaceships. It's because they have a smooth edge and they're quite shallow and stand alone," MetService Meteorologist Lisa Murr says.

Meanwhile, in Wellington, a long wave cloud was seen floating above the harbour.

Can you see this weird looking cloud in Wellington? Its a long and thin wave cloud; find out how they form at https://t.co/XZXyen2tRJ ^JM pic.twitter.com/qDkW0eQSqq

— MetService (@MetService) October 14, 2017