![]() ![]() ![]() Overall, shelf clouds are a relatively common weather phenomenon and can be seen by anyone who is paying attention to the clouds and weather conditions around them. Shelf clouds are most often seen ahead of a line of thunderstorms, and are a good indicator of approaching severe weather. They can occur in many different parts of the world and are not limited to any specific region. 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. If you see a shelf cloud, it’s best to briefly enjoy the view while the cloud is still in the distance and find shelter before it gets too close.A shelf cloud is a horizontal wedge-shaped cloud which hangs low in the air, and is usually associated with severe weather. Image: A dark and distant shelf cloud above the Gold Coast on November 28, 2022. These storms may also bring heavy rain and large hail. While shelf clouds don’t usually won’t cause severe weather themselves, those associated with severe thunderstorms or squall lines can come with damaging straight-line winds. Shelf clouds produced by thunderstorms are always preceded by a rush of dry and cold air ahead of the cloud, with rain arriving after the shelf cloud has passed overhead. Image: A ragged shelf cloud producing showers over the Sydney on November 27, 2022. This rush of cold air often occurs in a thunderstorm’s downdraught, where cold air rushes towards the ground before spreading out to create a gust front. Shelf clouds form when cold and dense air is forced into a warmer air mass by wind. Image: A large shelf cloud sweeping over the Gold Coast in southeast Qld on November 28, 2022. Technically called arcus clouds, shelf clouds usually appear as a broad arc across the sky that can sometimes appear to be rotating horizontally. Image: Shelf cloud passing over the Sunshine Coast on November 27, 2022. Shelf clouds are, as the name suggests, large shelf-like clouds that usually form at the leading edge of a thunderstorm or along the boundary of a cold front. But what exactly is a shelf cloud, how do they form, and just how dangerous are they? Thunderstorms in Australia often produce mesmerising shelf clouds. ![]()
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