Storm architecture · feature
Shelf clouds
The storm’s leading edge
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Full credit
Own work
Displayed at reduced resolution. See the original file for full licensing information.
Full credit
Own work
Displayed at reduced resolution. See the original file for full licensing information.
Full credit
Own work
Displayed at reduced resolution. See the original file for full licensing information.
Swipe or scroll sideways to explore the photographs. Photos may include other cloud types; names and credits come from their source records.
Spot it
A low horizontal wedge or shelf attached to a larger cloud.
How it forms
Outflow lifts moist air near the leading edge of a shower or storm.
Read the sky
A passing shelf can accompany gusty winds and heavy rain.
Where to look
Look along advancing shower or thunderstorm outflow, from shelter.
Little sky facts
Reveal fact 1
A shelf is a form of arcus.
Reveal fact 2
It usually remains attached to a parent cloud.
Reveal fact 3
Its front edge can look layered.
Reveal fact 4
A shelf cloud is not the same feature as a tornado.
Try this
Find the long leading curve in a storm photograph.
Draw your own cloud ↗Read a little deeper
Conditions described here are places to look, not a global frequency ranking. Use local weather forecasts and warnings for decisions. Never look directly at the Sun.