Shelf clouds

• A shelf cloud was seen recently in Haridwar.

ABOUT SHELF CLOUD

• A “shelf cloud” or “Arcus cloud” generally forms along the leading edge of thunderstorms.
• A shelf cloud is a type of low-lying, horizontal cloud formation characterized by a clearly defined line of solid clouds.
• It is known for its distinctive wedge-shaped formation.
• They usually appear as a broad arc across the sky that can sometimes appear to be rotating horizontally.
• It extends horizontally beneath the main cloud base and typically appears on the leading edge of a storm.
• The formation of shelf clouds occurs when a mass of cold and dense air is forcefully driven by the wind into a warmer air mass.
• This phenomenon takes place during the downdraft of a thunderstorm, where the cold air rapidly descends and disperses, creating a strong gust front.