Sky turns into nightmare: Horrific video of ‘Tsunami clouds’ in Haridwar dominates social media

No, the video in question is not from an apocalyptic film. A video is circulating on social media that shows a mesmerizing but disturbing view of clouds taking shape during the monsoon season, purportedly captured in Haridwar.

An unusual cloud formation, often referred to as a “tsunami cloud”, appeared over a city in northern India, causing an apocalyptic scene in the sky similar to a movie scene. This cloud, commonly known as an arcus cloud or shelf cloud, is often seen along the periphery of a storm.

This is so scary🧐

— Sulochana Rathod (@OfficialSulo) 11 July 2023

it’s scary and beautiful at the same time

— Isha (@_precious_bean_) 11 July 2023

Looks like an alien ship is getting underway!!!

– Rahul Soni (@rs_abad) 11 July 2023

This is so scary 😟.

Neha Lamchane Gurung. (@nehagurung1692) 11 July 2023

Mysterious clouds hovering over Roorkee’s Gang Canal.#Uttarakhand #UttarakhandNews , #The River Ganges #Ganges, #KavadYatra2023 #North India pic.twitter.com/U1sZYUiAEE

—Sandeep Santosh (@sandeepiitg) 10 July 2023

What is shelf cloud?

• A shelf cloud is a special type of cloud structure that often forms at the leading edge of a thunderstorm or squall line.
• It is distinguished by a definite horizontal shelf-like structure that extends from the base of the cloud. Shelf clouds often have a low, foreshadowing aspect and tend to be tall and depressed.
• Cold air descends from the storm’s downdraft and spreads horizontally over land, forming shelf clouds.

See also: Photographer captures pictures of ‘iridescent clouds’ on Arctic sky that form when temperature drops below -70°C

Over the past few days, incessant heavy rains have lashed northern India, causing significant devastation such as road flooding, landslides and bridge destruction.