Wall cloud facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Wall cloud with lightning - NOAA
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.

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.

Images for kids

  • Wallcloudwithtailcloud

    A wall cloud with tail cloud.

  • Rolling-thunder-cloud

    A shelf cloud over Enschede, Netherlands

  • Alfalfa Tornado - NOAA

    A tornadic wall cloud with RFD clear slot.


All content from Kiddle encyclopedia articles (including the article images and facts) can be freely used under Attribution-ShareAlike license, unless stated otherwise. Cite this article:
Wall cloud Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.