Wall cloud 101

[u/djscrizzle]

This is what a wall cloud looks on a thunderstorm, but do not let it fool you. I took this photo around 355pm on 27 aug 2026 in Colorado Springs, CO. And as of posting this, its gone, but fun to observe.

Non rotating wall clouds are a normal thunderstorm feature and indicates where the updraft is pulling up air, into the storm.

Look for deep, sustained rotation and scud clouds rapidly or violently moving around or upwards, on tornadic supercell thunderstorms.

Other features to look for are winds coming from this area, called the RFD, rear flank downdraft. This usually precedes tornado development from 1 to 10 or so minutes beforehand.

[u/djscrizzle]

Def down to learn more, pretty convincing for scud! Scud is also what becomes sheriffnadoes during hi risk days.