Arcus clouds are a low, horizontal cloud formation that are typically associated with the leading edge of a thunderstorm or gust front. There are two types of arcus clouds, a shelf cloud and a roll cloud, both of which we have seen this morning.
What's the difference? Well, shelf clouds are attached to the base of
the thunderstorm whereas roll clouds are detached and form separately.
How do these form? Ahead of these storms is a very warm and humid air mass. As rain falls from the incoming storms it works to cool the surrounding air, causing that air to surge out ahead of the storms.
This rain, cooled air – because it is more dense – will then push the warm, humid air ahead of it up and over. This process causes clouds to form, giving us the shelf appearance.
Shelf clouds aren't associated with anything tornadic, though you will encounter some pretty strong winds, heavy downpours, and frequent cloud to ground lightning once it passes overhead.
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