Shelf clouds are relatively common, especially during the summer months when thunderstorms are most prevalent. ![]() While they are not necessarily a sign of a tornado, they can indicate the presence of a severe thunderstorm, so it’s important to take shelter if you see one approaching. Shelf clouds can often be accompanied by strong winds, heavy rain, and even hail. The cloud can then become a shelf cloud as the leading edge of the thunderstorm moves closer to the ground. This causes the warm air to be lifted and cooled, forming a cloud. Shelf clouds are formed when cold air from the leading edge of a thunderstorm pushes out and under warm, moist air in the lower atmosphere. When the warm air is drawn into the storm’s updraft and it mixes with the cooler air, the moist air condenses, and this creates a rolling effect people see and which usually develops into a heavy rainstorm.Ī shelf cloud is also known as a “Tsunami” cloud due to what looks like a rotating motion as the cloud draws nearer to the land. The leading edge of a Shelf Cloud is known as the gust front. The rising cloud motion looks severe as it rises but it is the lower cloud that appears turbulent and wind torn. The cloud is usually dark and ominous-looking, and often appears to be advancing rapidly towards the observer. It is a low, horizontal cloud that appears to be “shelved” out from the base of a thunderstorm. A shelf cloud is a horizontal wedge-shaped cloud which hangs low in the air, and is usually associated with severe weather.
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