Mini Shelf Cloud Appears in Istanbul; Residents Stunned as Sky Darkens

Istanbul – A rare phenomenon—a mini shelf cloud—was spotted gracing the skies of Istanbul on Wednesday (July 22). The appearance of this elongated cloud, resembling a giant wall, caused many residents to pause and capture the moment.

Many people recorded the scene on their mobile phones. Circulating video footage shows the sky shifting from clear to dark in a matter of minutes.

A shelf cloud is a type of arcus cloud that forms at the leading edge of a thunderstorm. It appears when cool air from the storm meets warm air at the surface, creating a low-hanging, elongated cloud formation.

The presence of a shelf cloud often signals the imminent arrival of heavy rain, strong winds, lightning, or even hail. Consequently, the public is advised to seek shelter immediately if they observe this phenomenon accompanied by rapid weather changes.

Although they may look menacing, shelf clouds are not tornadoes. However, their appearance signals that weather conditions can change quickly, so the public is urged to remain vigilant regarding potential storms.