shelf cloud
Approaching storm's edge
A shelf cloud is a low, horizontal wedge-shaped cloud formation that extends from the base of a thunderstorm, appearing like a shelf jutting out from the storm.
It marks the leading edge of a gust front, where cool downdraft air meets warm, moist air ahead of the storm.
Unlike roll clouds, shelf clouds remain attached to the parent storm: A menacing shelf cloud preceded the squall line.
Curved band or bow
- outflow boundaryCold air surge boundary
- leading edgeForemost position in development
- thunderstormViolent weather with lightning
- supercellRotating severe thunderstorm
squall line · downdraft · wedge · horizontal · rotating · tubular · detached · attached
Cold air surge boundary
- cold frontIncoming cooler air mass
- pressure gradientSpatial variation in force
- wind shearRapid atmospheric velocity shift
- downdraftDescending air current
convergence · instability · convection · dew point · barometer · synoptic · forecasting · storm chasing
Suggesting something bad approaches
- dramaticStrikingly expressive or sudden
- menacingConveying threat or danger
- wedge-shapedTapering to an edge
- darkAbsence of light
layered · striated · turbulent · ragged · smooth · sculpted · sweeping · imposing
Harm from strong air currents
- downburstSudden descending windstorm
- microburstLocalized descending air blast
- derechoLong-lived straight-line windstorm
- hailIcy precipitation pellets
lightning · turbulence · severe thunderstorm · flash flooding · power outage · fallen trees · warning · watch
Pursuing violent weather phenomena
- time-lapseFilming at intervals, playing fast
- horizonApparent earth-sky meeting
- silhouetteFilled-in outline shape
- wide-angleEncompassing broad vistas
composition · contrast · golden hour · backlighting · cloudscape · National Geographic · social media · panorama
arcus
Curved band or bow
- outflow boundaryCold air surge boundary
- leading edgeForemost position in development
- thunderstormViolent weather with lightning
supercell · squall line · downdraft · wedge · horizontal · rotating · tubular · detached · attached · cumulonimbus
outflow boundary
Cold air surge boundary
- cold frontIncoming cooler air mass
- pressure gradientSpatial variation in force
- wind shearRapid atmospheric velocity shift
downdraft · convergence · instability · convection · dew point · barometer · synoptic · forecasting · storm chasing · Doppler radar
ominous
Suggesting something bad approaches
- dramaticStrikingly expressive or sudden
- menacingConveying threat or danger
- wedge-shapedTapering to an edge
dark · layered · striated · turbulent · ragged · smooth · sculpted · sweeping · imposing · looming
wind damage
Harm from strong air currents
- downburstSudden descending windstorm
- microburstLocalized descending air blast
- derechoLong-lived straight-line windstorm
hail · lightning · turbulence · severe thunderstorm · flash flooding · power outage · fallen trees · warning · watch · shelter
storm chasing
Pursuing violent weather phenomena
- time-lapseFilming at intervals, playing fast
- horizonApparent earth-sky meeting
- silhouetteFilled-in outline shape
wide-angle · composition · contrast · golden hour · backlighting · cloudscape · National Geographic · social media · panorama · timelapse
- Cloudscumulus, stratus, cirrus, nimbostratus, stratocumulus
- weather lorered sky, ring around moon, moon halos, halos, halo
- cloud featurespileus, velum, arcus, incus, mamma
- storm anatomysupercell, cumulonimbus, mesocyclone, tornado, updraft
- Storm Featureseye, eyewall, rainband, updraft, downdraft
- Thunderstormslightning, thunder, thunderstorm, lightning strike, thunderclap
shelf cloudfunnel cloud
Rotating condensation pendant
tornado · wall cloud · clear skies · fair weather · waterspout
shelf cloudclear sky
Atmosphere without clouds
cirrus · blue sky · stratus · altocumulus
cloud, cloudy, shelf, shelves, cloudless, shelve, bookshelf, shelflike