Scud clouds

Written by: Caroline Kim

March 13, 2023

Recently, I saw a video going around of a dark shadow floating in the air that left viewers entirely confused. Some people even joked about it being a dementor (shadowy evil ghosts from the Harry Potter fandom). But after scrolling through comments, a few people identified it as a “scud cloud”. This acronym stands for “Scattered Cumulus Under Deck” and are known for often appearing along with storms.

They are characterized as being formed when, “moist, unstable air is lifted by strong winds, causing the water vapor to condense into clouds” (Timothy). They are also known by the name “fractus clouds”, and have irregular wispy shapes, explaining the similarity in appearance of a dementor. These unique clouds form as warm air rises from a thunderstorm. These clouds are often confused with funnel clouds but differ in the idea that scud clouds don’t rotate and are separate from the thunderstorm.

There are a variety of clouds, which means a variety of effects and indicators. Some clouds may have a “warming effect”, while others have a “cooling effect” (Harvey). Climate change may cause a more frequent appearance of certain clouds, and is influenced by local climate and practices.

Sources:

Timothy. “Scud Clouds - Weather - Creepy Clouds That Form under Thunderstorms • Tim's Weird & Wonderful World.” Tim's Weird & Wonderful World, 5 Feb. 2023, https://timswww.com.au/scud-clouds-weather-creepy-clouds-that-form-under-thunderstorms/.

Susko, Mike. “Weather 101: ‘Look! It's a Funnel Cloud’ or Is It? Difference between Funnel Clouds and Scud Clouds.” KNWA FOX24, KNWA FOX24, 20 Apr. 2021, https://www.nwahomepage.com/weather/weather-101/weather-101-look-its-a-funnel-cloud-or-is-it-difference-between-funnel-clouds-and-scud-clouds/.

Wild, Sarah. “Cloud Shapes and Formations Impact Global Warming – but We Still Don't Understand Them.” Horizon Magazine, 9 Nov. 2020, https://ec.europa.eu/research-and-innovation/en/horizon-magazine/cloud-shapes-and-formations-impact-global-warming-we-still-dont-understand-them.

Harvey, Chelsea. “Clouds May Hold the Key to Future Warming.” Scientific American, Scientific American, 27 Feb. 2019, https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/clouds-may-hold-the-key-to-future-warming/.