Clouds That Predict Wild Weather

Severe weather in the desert can flood the roads and canyons. High winds can topple trees and overturn semi-trailers. Being aware of the most dangerous clouds can warn you of danger. Here are some to look out for. 

Shelf Clouds 

Clouds that look like a shelf under a storm
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When a storm is high up, these clouds can be seen underneath the leading edge and look like a shelf hanging down. This is air being pushed out from the storm clouds above. Expect high winds and even hail to follow.  

Wall Clouds

Cloud hanging down like a wall
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These can look like the shelf clouds, but they are different. These clouds are sucking warm air into the storm. As you can imagine, anything that pulls the air like that is going to be big.

Mammatus Clouds

Clouds that look like rows of bubbles
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They look like bubbles and indicate the beginning of a storm and possibly hail. If you are on the lake, turn and head for the shore.

Pyrocumulus Clouds

Cloud billowing over a forest fire
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When the wilderness is dry and wildfires spring up, these clouds don't help. They are a result of the fire and smoke and can create a thunderstorm. These often have unpredictable wind patterns. Get out of the area.

Read More: Snowy Outlook: This Phenomenon Could Bring More Powder To Utah

Now you know what clouds to look for when you are out hiking or boating. It is also good to keep an eye out for clouds that form quickly. These can be the bright fluffy type, but if they form in minutes, it indicates some changing pressure and rising wind speeds.

LOOK: The most expensive weather and climate disasters in recent decades

Stacker ranked the most expensive climate disasters by the billions since 1980 by the total cost of all damages, adjusted for inflation, based on 2021 data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The list starts with Hurricane Sally, which caused $7.3 billion in damages in 2020, and ends with a devastating 2005 hurricane that caused $170 billion in damage and killed at least 1,833 people. Keep reading to discover the 50 of the most expensive climate disasters in recent decades in the U.S.

Gallery Credit: KATELYN LEBOFF

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