This cloud is really a hybrid between stratus and cumulus having both characteristics being the flat bottom which is of stratus origin and the blown top which is very similar to cumulus congestus. A cold air pool was lingering around the Maltese Islands from previous descent of a Mistral wind and the strong sunshine over land contributed to the cloud to rise as if it were cumulus. Normally such cloud has a dark flat base but the setting sun reflecting on the cloud`s bottom made it look as if the base was on fire.