What is a funnel cloud?

Recentfusion.com–A funnel cloud is a weather phenomenon commonly associated with severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. It is a rotating column of air that extends downward from a cumulonimbus cloud but does not reach the ground. Funnel clouds are typically characterized by their funnel-like shape, with a wide top and a narrow bottom.

Funnel clouds form when there is a significant amount of wind shear in the atmosphere, meaning that wind speed or direction changes with height. This wind shear causes the air to rotate horizontally. When updrafts within a thunderstorm tilt the rotating air vertically, a funnel cloud can develop.

It’s important to note that a funnel cloud does not directly cause any harm or damage. However, if the conditions are favorable, a funnel cloud may eventually touch the ground and become a tornado. Tornadoes are extremely dangerous and can cause significant destruction, with high winds capable of damaging buildings, uprooting trees, and even causing loss of life.

If you spot a funnel cloud, it’s crucial to take appropriate precautions and seek shelter immediately, as it may rapidly develop into a tornado. Monitoring local weather reports and staying informed about severe weather conditions in your area is essential for your safety.

Published on: June 14, 2023 3:18 pm

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