Breaking it Down with Brittney - SHelf CLouds

Though not a particularly rare weather event, shelf clouds are well known for their striking appearance which can be quite jarring when viewed from a distance. The size and scope of these clouds often extend across much of the horizon as they form on the leading edge of a thunderstorm or area of heavy rain. The ominous appearance of these clouds is thanks to how they are formed with the interaction of cool air moving out and away from a thunderstorm and warm air being forced to move upward.