A foreshadowing of the “sky ripping open” some future day. Today in Upper Sandusky Ohio, at world famous https://uni-grip.com/. Quite cool.
An arcus cloud is a low-level, horizontal cloud formation typically associated with powerful thunderstorms and severe weather conditions. There are two main types of arcus clouds:
1. Shelf clouds
2. Roll clouds
Here are the key characteristics and features of arcus clouds:
1. Formation: Arcus clouds form along the leading edge of a thunderstorm’s outflow or occasionally with a cold front[2][3]. They develop when cool, sinking air from a storm cloud’s downdraft spreads out across the surface, undercutting warm air being drawn into the storm’s updraft[3].
2. Appearance: Arcus clouds are typically long, thin, and wedge-shaped[2]. They can appear as a horizontal column or a low, wide-ranging cloud formation[1][2].
3. Height: These clouds are found at low altitudes, with their base typically up to 6,500 feet above the ground[2].
4. Associated weather: Arcus clouds are often indicators of approaching severe weather, including strong gusty winds, heavy rain or hail showers, and thunder and lightning[2][3].
5. Shelf clouds: These are attached to the base of the parent cloud (usually a cumulonimbus) and have a wedge-like shape. The leading edge often shows rising cloud motion, while the underside appears turbulent and wind-torn[2][4].
6. Roll clouds: These are horizontal, tube-shaped clouds that are completely detached from the parent storm cloud. They can sometimes form without the presence of thunderstorms, such as along sea breeze boundaries or cold fronts[3][4].
7. Distinctive features: In severe cases, arcus clouds may be accompanied by vortices along the edge, rising fractus clouds, or even dust being lifted from the ground. These signs can indicate an approaching violent wind squall[2][3].
8. Occurrence: While arcus clouds are most commonly associated with thunderstorms, they can also form with other types of convective clouds[4].
It’s worth noting that arcus clouds, particularly shelf clouds, are sometimes mistaken for wall clouds or tornadoes due to their dramatic appearance. However, they are distinct phenomena and typically precede the arrival of a storm rather than indicating ongoing tornado formation[3][4].
Sources
[1] Arcus: Home https://arcus-cloud.io
[2] Arcus cloud – Met Office https://lnkd.in/g7HgjHWQ
[3] Arcus, Shelf, Roll, Morning Glory Clouds – Crystalinks https://lnkd.in/gsCqwP99
[4] Arcus cloud – Wikipedia https://lnkd.in/gdnrg_tS
[5] Arcus Cloud Feature: Shelf Cloud, Gust Collar – WhatsThisCloud https://lnkd.in/gnBZKqm2
[6] Arcus – Cloud Appreciation Society https://lnkd.in/gxwQ7map
