Wall cloud

Wall clouds with lightning and rain

Wall clouds (or pedestal clouds) are localized, large and persistent lowering cloud formations that develop below the rain-free region of thunderstorms. Rotating wall clouds are indicative of mesocyclones in thunderstorms. Wall clouds do not always rotate, though.[1]

Wall clouds are formed by a process known as entrainment, when an inflow of warm, moist air rises and overpowers rain-cooled air during a downwind downdraft.

References

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  1. "Higgins Storm Chasing | What are Wall Clouds?". Archived from the original on 2021-11-27. Retrieved 2022-03-27.